Jermaine Jenas has heaped praise on Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey after the 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
The BT pundit was particularly impressed with the discipline of the Magpies’ captain in midfield alongside Isaac Hayden against the Premier League champions.
Jenas was blown away by Shelvey’s goal that earned his side a point after the midfielder curled home an effort from the edge of the box after Kevin De Bruyne put his side ahead.
“This is what he does,” he said on BT Sports after the game (30/11 14:38 pm).
“The biggest thing that impressed me about Jonjo today was the discipline he had in that midfield.
“I like the way he spoke after the game about the understanding of the role, not having the ball and how they had to dig in and show character.
“I think he epitomised that with Hayden in midfield today.”
Shelvey was given the captain’s armband after the injury picked up by Jamaal Lascelles, and his second goal of the season means he is currently the Magpies’ joint-top scorer.
OPINION
Jenas is spot on with his verdict of Shelvey, who was superb in the middle of the park once again for the Magpies. Just as the former Newcastle star referred too, the England international led by example with his disciplined approach and offered the perfect shield to his defence from the first whistle to the last. His peach of a strike was the cherry on top and nothing short of what he deserved at St James’ Park, and he has certainly made sure he is one of the first names on the teamsheet under Steve Bruce. Shelvey made three tackles and four interceptions against the champions [WhoScored], the most in both areas in a single game, and he is fully deserving of all the praise he is receiving for the role he played in helping his side to another valuable point. Hayden’s defensive mindset does allow Shelvey to push forward more, and that partnership will be integral between now and the end of the season.
