'Talk all the time' - Benitez raves over Newcastle star at crux of future success
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has been raving over the displays of midfield star Jonjo Shelvey and says he is learning to manage situations better to help the team pick up success.
The 25-year-old has had a hit-and-miss season on the Magpies’ return to the Premier League, making a nightmare start to the campaign as he was sent off for a stamp in the opening game against Tottenham, a match which had seen him temporarily handed the captain’s armband.
Dropped to the substitutes’ bench before his return to the starting XI, he was sent off yet again against Everton, and as before has had to fight his way back into the first team line up, where he is now a regular feature.
After his misdemeanours throughout the season, Benitez says he is starting to show signs of his learning and maturity, and insists that he is the crux to future success for the Magpies, with his positive performances reflected in the shining displays of his team mates.
He was quoted by the Chronicle’s Chris Waugh on his personal Twitter account as saying: “When he plays well, the team plays well. He’s training well & he loves footba(ll) [sic].
“He’s enjoying himself at the moment & I am really pleased for him. We talk all the time, he’z [sic] learning & he has to manage situations when there is pressure. I try to trust him.”
Rafa on Shelvey: "When he plays well, the team plays well. He's training well & he loves footba. He's enjoying himself at the moment & I am really pleased for him. We talk all the time, he'z learning & he has to manage situations when there is pressure. I try to trust him" #nufc
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) February 23, 2018
This season has seen Shelvey turn out 23 times across all competitions, scoring just one goal in the FA Cup win over Luton Town and is yet to provide an assist for his team mates.
In other Newcastle United transfer news, a top flight giant has readied an £18million bid for one of the club’s top stars.