Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey has had a real resurgence under Eddie Howe and is now one of the go-to names for the starting XI in midfield. Previously under Steve Bruce, the midfielder was inconsistent. On his day, he could put in a strong performance but that didn’t happen very often.
Rafael Benitez was able to get a lot out of Shelvey, especially in the Championship season where the Magpies won the league. Also in the Premier League when he played alongside Mo Diame, it was an impactful midfield duo. Diame would win the ball via tackling or intercepting and Shelvey would be the distributor.
With Howe setting the Toon up in a 4-3-3, the 29-year-old is often the pivot of the three in midfield. That extra man in midfield makes it easier to win the ball in midfield. Shelvey isn’t someone who presses a lot so having him and one other in midfield isn’t the best idea.
Competition for places in midfield has meant we’ve seen a more consistent Shelvey
When Howe came in last November, every player had a point to prove – not just because a new system was about to be implemented, but due to the wealth of the new owners as well. Every player in the squad will have realised they could potentially be replaced.
With Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Shelvey all competing for a role in midfield, it’s seen the man signed by Steve McClaren come on leaps and bounds.
As previously mentioned in this piece, his consistency has improved to that of when he played under Bruce. You get the feeling that at times a lot of the squad were too relaxed and didn’t work hard enough as they could’ve.
However, there have been moments this season where the English midfielder has stepped up for Newcastle. He scored the winning goal against Leeds United in a 1-0 away at Elland Road.
We’ve seen a resurgence in form from Jonjo Shelvey. Towards the end of the Bruce era, some fans will have wanted to see him head for the exit door. But Howe has helped bring back some consistency and confidence to his game.
Newcastle paid £12 million to Swansea City to sign Shelvey back in January 2016 when McClaren was the head coach (BBC Sport).
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