Sky pundit Gary Neville has described Jonjo Shelvey’s performance against Man Utd as a ‘joy to watch’, praising the midfielder’s ‘class and composure’ in his man of the match display during Sunday’s superb 1-0 win at St James’ Park.
Neville was in the Sky commentary box for this one on Sunday, so this result against his former side would’ve been tough to take. Although that didn’t stop him openly praising the NUFC midfielder.
Shelvey was superb, putting in perhaps his best display in black and white. Not only did he show that added bit of maturity and class on the ball, but he never ignored his defensive duties, putting in some important challenges and interceptions in a manor that we’ve not seen from Shelvey before.
It was a controlled performance in all aspects and refreshing to see from a player whose so often been erratic in all he’s done this season.
Here’s what Sky’s Gary Neville had to say about Shelvey’s display, praising his passing, composure and class as he awarded him man of the match:
“Jonjo Shelvey’s passing in this game has been a joy to watch”
“His class and composure has been great to see. He is absolutely the man of the match.”
Jonjo Shelvey vs Manchester Utd (h): pic.twitter.com/vfeIzhpfps
— John (@jbxnufc) February 12, 2018
Given his short sighted comments about our approach to the 1-0 defeat to Man City in December, it’s nice to actually see Neville giving someone at NUFC some well earned credit, however seeing Shelvey was even better to witness.
As Neville says it was great to see. Not only will repeat performances like that give us a completely new dimension in midfield, but they’ll show off Shelvey to be the classy midfielder that he is more than capable of becoming.
Keep playing like that across the next 11 games and Gareth Southgate might want to take a look – especially given England’s lack of quality central midfielders.