Benitez was full of praise for the Newcastle United midfielder after their 3-1 win over Brentford.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has said the side play better when Jonjo Shelvey is on form, the Chronicle reports.
Shelvey was influential during the side’s 3-1 win over Brentford on Saturday which took the Magpies into second place in the Championship.
Benitez is quoted in the Chronicle saying, “We analyse the characteristics of our players, and here we have a player who we know has it in him to deliver the final pass.
“We have others like [Isaac] Hayden who can play in that position but Jonjo is a player who is technically good and, when he plays well, the team plays better.”
Ciaran Clark and two goals from Dwight Gayle helped the side move into an automatic promotion place. It is interesting that Benitez has highlighted Shelvey’s qualities in this way. Usually there is a lot more emphasis on the side when it comes to comments on performances, but here an individual has been picked out and he talks about his influence directly.
Shelvey will probably feel a little bit taller after that and that bit more valued. Given how heavily involved he was on Saturday it is hard to argue against him being an important player for the club.
Newcastle fans will hope his good form continues, along with the side’s as they continue to push for an instant return to the top flight.
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