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Three players who should definitely start for Newcastle against Bournemouth

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Jonjo Shelvey

Such level-headed displays have been a rarity for Shelvey this season, but the 25-year-old was outstanding alongside Mohamed Diame in the centre of midfield against Man United. It was a performance that illustrated why Benitez continues to invest his faith in Shelvey and why he COULD be crucial for United in the remaining 11 matches of the season.

Working in tandem with Diame in the Magpies engine room, Shelvey exhibited his full repertoire of passing, delivering the free-kick that led to the winning goal, and reduced Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic to virtual bystanders with his intelligence in possession and incisive link-up play. But it was his work rate off the ball that was most impressive, tirelessly closing down the opposition and refusing to shirk some big challenges that got St James’ Park off their feet.

It was an uncharacteristically mature performance that must become the norm for Shelvey, starting against Bournemouth on Saturday.

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