The Magpies summer signing is in awe of one of his teammates in particular.
Newcastle United star Isaac Hayden has admitted that it is “a privilege” to play alongside Jonjo Shelvey, who he described as the best midfielder in the Championship, speaking to NUTV.
Hayden joined the Magpies revolution this summer as they prepared for life in the second tier, and he has been utilised mostly in the centre of midfield by manager Rafael Benitez.
There, he has consistently lined up alongside former Liverpool and Swansea star Shelvey, who joined the Tyneside club for £12 million last January.
Shelvey has racked up three goals and five assists from the centre of midfield in 14 Championship starts so far this term, and has begun to show his obvious class at Championship level.
Hayden has certainly been impressed with what he has seen from his teammate, and in an interview with NUTV he described the 24-year-old as the best midfielder in the league, as well as tipping him to force his way back into England contention.
Hayden said: “He’s a very good player, Jonjo. I’d say he’s the best central midfielder in the Championship.
“I think everybody who’s playing in that position can aspire to be at that level and I think if he plays at the level he’s been playing at for the last few games then an England call-up wouldn’t be too far away.
“It’s a privilege to play with him. It’s enjoyable, he’s good on the ball and I think we dovetail each other quite well.”
Shelvey’s form has been a driving factor in Newcastle’s excellent first third of the season. The Magpies are three points clear at the top of the Championship, having won their last seven league games on the spin.
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