OPINION
If there is one Newcastle United player who has defied many fans’ expectations this season, it is midfielder Ki Sung-yeung.
Arriving on a free transfer in the summer, the South Korean was virtually unheard of at the start of the season due to the dominance of Jonjo Shelvey.
Fast forward to now, and seems as though the role have reversed.
Ki has been magnificent for the Magpies ever since he was brought on as a substitute in their first win of the season against Watford – and the rest is history, as they say.
Fans can hardly imagine a midfield without the South Korean international anymore, and it looks like Shelvey has been put to the back of their minds.
However, Ki is set to be called up by his country 15 days early for their Asian Cup campaign – which starts in the New Year – according to the Chronicle, and this is the perfect opportunity for Shelvey to work his way back into Rafa Benitez’ plans once again.
Shelvey missed the recent clash with Huddersfield due to an ongoing thigh injury, but if he recovers, he needs to make the most of the chance he is likely to be given.
Benitez will be hoping and praying that Shelvey recovers in time for Ki’s absence, as the last thing he needs is to have is a lack of quality in the midfield.
Shelvey is the perfect player to cover for Ki, so fans will no doubt have their fingers crossed that he gets fit in time.
Otherwise, Benitez will have to turn to Isaac Hayden, who has not enjoyed the greatest of success during his time on Tyneside.
Nevertheless, it could soon be time for mainstay Shelvey to show the manager what he has been missing – he just needs to recover first.
