Jonjo Shelvey cameo makes Newcastle’s selection dilemma all the more frustrating

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There does not appear to be room for both Jonjo Shelvey and Mikel Merino in the Newcastle team, even if they linked up brilliantly on Sunday.

Just a couple of months ago it was inconceivable that Newcastle United could line up without Jonjo Shelvey in the side – and on Sunday he showed exactly why.

Shelvey was the best player in the Championship last season and he showed his class in a cameo against Brighton and Hove Albion, attempting to drag Newcastle to a point and hitting the post from a corner.

The Magpies came up short, but their supporters would be enthused by Shelvey’s display – if only there was a place for him in the team.

Mikel Merino has been the star turn of Newcastle’s season and he occupies a position in the midfield that suits Shelvey in this system.

With Shelvey and Merino both superb ball-players, Rafa Benitez needs the energy of Isaac Hayden in the centre and the former Arsenal man has struck up a fine partnership with the young Spaniard.

Shelvey, too, impressed alongside Hayden last term, but Newcastle fans will be wondering how effective he could be alongside Merino.

Against Brighton, both were excellent, but the Seagulls had by then withdrawn and allowed Newcastle to play. Other teams will not and the creative pair would surely be stretched by the defensive duties of the midfield role.