A number of Newcastle United supporters have been debating the impact that midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has for the Magpies, with many fans split over whether he is underrated or overrated.
Shelvey has endured a mixed start to the campaign, which is pretty much a reflection on how Newcastle themselves have begun the season under Steve Bruce. The midfielder has started just six Premier League games, having missed a spell out of action with a hernia injury, from which he recently returned for their 2-0 win at Crystal Palace.
The 28-year-old has so far averaged 1.3 key passes per game and made two tackles and 0.7 interceptions per match in the Premier League so far this term (Sofascore). However, he has also lost the ball on average 18.5 times per game, maintaining a passing accuracy of 72% (Sofascore), but that is often because he is the one within the midfield attempting to get the ball forward.
One player who knows Shelvey’s qualities inside out is former Newcastle midfielder Mo Diame, who has recently told Chronicle Live that his one-time teammate‘s ability should have seen him play for Liverpool for a more prolonged period of his career than the three years he had at Anfield. The Senegal international labelled the 28-year-old as ‘top-class’ and very challenging to stop when on his game.
Magpies fans debate Jonjo Shelvey
Some Newcastle fans were keen to suggest that Shelvey is one of the Magpies’ most talented players and the best passer of the ball in their current squad. However, others remain unconvinced by the midfielder and believe he has not delivered enough during his time at the club, with a return of just 15 goals in 147 games.
Underrated.
Without him we lack composure.
He’s brave on the ball, when others are not. He wants the ball, even if playing poorly, and when others hide and don’t show for the ball, he takes responsibility and steps forward.
He’s our only midfielder who can play a forward pass.— ⭐️ King of Northumbria ⭐️ (@Sandancer1977) December 8, 2020
an enigma world class when he can be bothered just average when he cant
— chris (@chris66521997) December 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/gw8650/status/1336300972851728385?s=19
When he’s on his game there’s not many in the prem that can match him passing wise. Way too inconsistent though and goes missing more times than not
— LeeW1892 (@fans_toon) December 8, 2020
Fairly overrated the man pings a good ball every 8 games
— Lee Duffy (@leedee85) December 8, 2020
Underachiever!
— 🅣🅗🅞🅜🅐 (@Thoma69) December 8, 2020
Underrated
— Mark Richard Morris (@MarkMorris241) December 8, 2020
