Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey has surely proved Alan Shearer’s doubts about him wrong

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Jonjo Shelvey has been one of Newcastle United’s players of the season so far.

Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey has surely put all doubts about him to rest through his form this season.

When Shelvey signed for Newcastle from Swansea City back in January 2016, Alan Shearer was amongst the pundits to voice some doubts about the signing.

Shearer claimed that Shelvey’s attitude needed to be questioned, due to his failure to Liverpool.

“At his age, surely the penny has to drop,” Shearer said to the Daily Mail. “You’ve had a chance at one of the biggest clubs in the world and it hasn’t worked out for you – we all keep saying he’s an England international, which he is. We all keep saying he’s got ability, which he has, but eventually for him, the penny has to drop.

“You get a chance in football and you have to take it. He’s had two or three – he has to understand that he will not get a bigger opportunity than he has now at Newcastle.

“You would have to say, there has to be something wrong with his attitude.

“If McClaren can change all that, and it’s always an if, then he will be a good buy but I think the jury has to remain out on him.”

Shearer’s mind has surely been made up about the Newcastle man though, as Shelvey has been brilliant this term.

The England international has been a key member of Newcastle’s side, as they have gone for promotion.

Shelvey has claimed 11 assists and scored four goals in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Benitez has also given Shelvey a great amount of responsibility, as he is the man who dictates the tempo and direction of Newcastle’s play.

Shelvey’s reputation has now improved considerably to the point where Queens Park Rangers boss Ian Holloway said he was the best player he had ever seen in the Championship.

“Teams have to stop Shelvey if they are to have any chance. He goes here, there and everywhere,” Holloway said to Sky Sports.

“He’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen play in the Championship.”

And if Newcastle are to be promoted, as expected, Shelvey will surely be a crucial part of Benitez’s plans for the years ahead – after casting aside any doubts Shearer may have previously had about him.