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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Jonjo Shelvey

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on October 20, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on October 20, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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It was a disappointing season for the player that is considered by many to be “the most talented” on Newcastle United’s roster.

Like Jamaal Lascelles, expectations were high for Jonjo Shelvey. We argued that the English national team would’ve done well to put the passing maestro on their World Cup roster. Then, he barely played and battled injuries all season for Newcastle United. While his talent is undeniable, will he be able to lock down a spot in the first-choice starting XI next season? We discuss that and look back on his disappointing 2018-19 campaign.

2018-19 Premier League stats: 16 appearances, one goal, one assist, 85 accurate long balls

Durim Halimi

Injuries and a lack of playing time after recovering made the 2018-19 season a miserable one for Jonjo Shelvey. The thigh injury he picked up against Watford in November kept him out for a a few months and the impressive form of Sean Longstaff and Isaac Hayden made it difficult for him to return to the lineup.

I know Shelvey has the skills to be a top player for Newcastle, and I want him to reach those heights, but even when he was healthy and playing as a starter, the Magpies failed to win a single game. He has a lot of work to do this summer if he wants to start alongside Longstaff in the middle of the park next season. In my opinion, Rafa Benitez, assuming he stays on as manager, should give Shelvey a second chance to showcase his talent.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Quality Rotation/Potential Starter

Next. 5 things we learned about NUFC in 2018-19. dark

Carson A. Merk

For years, Jonjo Shelvey has been one of the most difficult players to project with Newcastle United. He is remarkably and uniquely skilled, but he seems to pick up a lot of injuries and he has attitude issues.

I have to admit, I am one of the biggest Jonjo Shelvey fans on the planet. I think if you have someone with his passing ability, you hold onto them. But, if he won’t be in the club’s primary lineup for the next season, why not move him for a decent return? Will his value be as high as it could be? Absolutely not. But, there are interested clubs, especially West Ham, and he could bring in a nice chunk of much-needed money for Newcastle United to re-invest. But, being a Shelvey stan, I will just hope that he occupies a central midfield position throughout the future at Newcastle United.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Surefire Starter