Report: Rafa Benitez has his doubts about Jonjo Shelvey
By Durim Halimi
Jonjo Shelvey’s days at Newcastle United may be numbered according to a new report.
It is quite obvious that Jonjo Shelvey has fallen down the pecking order for playing time at Newcastle United. According to a new report from the Northern Echo , the reason why Shelvey is not playing is because Rafa Benitez has his doubts about the mercurial midfielder. The same report goes on to say the following:
"“Benitez is understood to harbour doubts about his work rate and willingness to buy in to the team ethic, hence his absence from the starting side.”"
The last time Shelvey started a match for Newcastle was back in November against Watford. That was also the match where Shelvey picked up his injury and was subbed off just a few minutes after halftime. When Shelvey did start this season, the Magpies failed to win a single game. Without Shelvey in the lineup, Newcastle turned things around and are now one of the most in-form clubs in the Premier League.
Should Newcastle Sell Shelvey?
Before answering that question, it is worth mentioning that Shelvey’s drop in form is largely due to the long-term injury he sustained. Injuries are part of the game and no player should be blamed for the knocks they pick up on their bodies. That being said, though, the Shelvey we saw in the second half of last season and the Shelvey we saw to start this season are two different people.
The urgency we saw from Shelvey last season was nowhere to be seen this term and his defensive work rate has simply been lacking. He has not missed a beat when it comes to completing accurate long balls, but that means nothing when his overall work rate is not at the maximum level like the players around him.
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Moreover, the unexpected rise of Sean Longstaff, the resurgence of Isaac Hayden and Ki Sung-yueng’s consistency in midfield all make it easier to let Shelvey go. Shelvey is still in his prime and he can influence any match with his abilities, but at this point Newcastle should say yes to West Ham when they make a formal bid for his services this summer.