Newcastle United manager Steven Bruce has raved about Jonjo Shelvey to The Mirror.
Bruce believes that Shelvey has developed into a complete midfield player, and that he has added physicality to his natural ability.
Bruce told The Mirror about Shelvey: “Jonjo understands what we are trying to do. As a footballer all the things that come naturally to him are the most difficult.
“What he has done is add to his natural ability. He has added a physicality to it, getting up and down the pitch. At the moment he is the complete midfield player.
“With the top players, that is what they can do. Jonjo more than anyone has gone to town on what he can do physically and we are reaping the benefits.”
Stats
Shelvey has been on the books of Newcastle since January 2016 when he joined from Swansea City for a transfer fee reported by BBC Sport to be worth £12 million.
There have been occasions over the years when the former Liverpool midfielder has struggled to play well and has been left out of the team.
However, the 28-year-old England international midfielder is playing well for the Magpies at the moment and is an important player in manager Bruce’s team.
According to WhoScored, Shelvey has made 20 starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Newcastle so far this season, scoring six goals and providing one assist in the process.
Meanwhile, Bruce has said that he is confident that Matty Longstaff will sign a new contract and stay at Newcastle.
The 20-year-old midfielder recently signed a short-term extension to his deal to stay at St. James’ Park until the end of the season.
Bruce told The Chronicle about contract talks with Longstaff: “They’re still ongoing, so let’s hope that before we clear off a the end of the season, we’ve got some clarity on it.
“I’ll keep plugging away. Because as I keep saying for me, the boy should play his football here. “
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
