NOW that the manager’s position has been filled by Brendan Rodgers, a ‘tika-taka’ style manager with beliefs that a passing game is much more effective than the ‘lump-it style’ which he described it as in his press conference; what does this mean for our promising English youngster Jonjo Shelvey?
For me, I think Jonjo will be pretty excited by the prospect of an overhaul in the footballing philosophy as he is a player that has the ability to slot in seamlessly into Brendan’s style of play.
He loves a quick one-two and has the vision and guile to worm himself out of tight-spots with intricate passing; something he’ll have to do a lot more of under the new boss.
The standard of Shelvey’s performances has been particularly good considering he is only 20 years of age with a lot to learn in the game. In a league where pace is seen as integral, Shelvey doesn’t possess too much of it. Yet that’s not a criticism as you only have to look to the likes of our former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso as proof that if you can play the game so fluidly, pace isn’t all that important. Shelvey has an eye for a pass and his composure on the ball is quality for someone so young in the game.
During last season Shelvey made 15 league appearances after being on loan to Blackpool for the majority of it, only being called back due to the injury of Lucas Leiva. After a promising performance against Aston Villa on his return from his loan, Jonjo would consider himself a bit unlucky not to have featured in as many games as he would have liked during the course of the rest of the season. But in spite of this he did end the season on a high-note, starting in all of the last four Premier League games, and even bagging a goal with a quality strike from distance against Chelsea. If he can begin the 2012/13 season as he ended the last he’ll stand himself in good stead to accumulate many more starts and appearances for the team.
But will Jonjo be given a fair crack of the whip by Rodgers?
I hope so, and if this is Rodgers’ intention then one or both of Alberto Aquilani and Joe Cole need to be moved on. There is no doubting the quality of the two players but their wages are much too high, and if they are only coming back to be a squad player I’d sooner us bid them adieu and purchase a hungrier, more ambitious replacement. But going from what Brendan has said so far I’m sure he’ll want to speak to both of them and see what if they have the desire to stay and fight for their position at the club or not; and if they do possess the urge to stay and fight for their place then it could be an interesting situation. Joe Cole has already made these types of noises after being quoted in the media recently stating that he has unfinished business at the club and wants to make his Liverpool stay successful, yet whether this comes to fruition remains to be seen.
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On possible midfield acquisitions to possibly challenge Shelvey’s position; we all know of the rumours about Gylfi Sigurdsson’s supposed Swansea U-turn and desire to follow to his ex-Swansea boss Rodgers to Anfield. But then there are the general murmurs that this signing would hold back Shelvey’s rapid progression. Personally, I think Sigurdsson’s signing would be good for the club. He knows what Brendan wants from him and the tactics that he will attempt to put in place, making his potential adjusting to the squad a smoother process.
If the Sigurdsson move is given the green light then it may, unfortunately, be the end of the road for Jay Spearing. Jay’s worked hard and shown that he has made a lot of improvement but if Sigurdsson is signed there will be one too many central midfielders at the club vying for positions. I just hope Shelvey is given the right chances; as he could sparkle in a formation that is made for him.
Comments appreciated!
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Sigurdsson is a must. Gerrard isn’t gettng any younger and there is a real lack of qality in midfield. Liverpool may have a lot of midfield players, but Adam is truly awful, and Spearing is a squd player at best. Henderson is unconvincing. I can see Shelvey forming a partnership with Sigurdsson
If adam is truly awful how come he had the most assists last season and he missed several games.
Sigurdsson is a mid table player, liverpool dont need any more average players
Sigurdsson is quality. the best midfield player I’ve seen this season in the Prem
My answer is ‘yes’. Jonjo is very young and has the ability to grow. I’m sure if he learn from a good coach he will be one of the best player in pl. He is strong, fast and young. He will shine, I’m very sure.
I think you are right about Shelvey, he must be kept and his education continued, amazing that he’s only 20. I also believe, as much as I admire his passion for the Club, that Spearing’s abilities are not going to ever be at the level required. I really don’t see Adam getting much playing time either, especially if Aqua brings his A game to Anfield or Cole comes back as hungry for Anfield success as he says he is. Yes, Lucas will be back, hopefully in great form but we do have to remember that we will be lucky to get Stevie back from Europe unscathed. I am definitely looking forward to next season!
Shelvey will become a star within 3 years. he has everything Liverpool demands out of their players. heart, passion, skills.
no way should he ever be loaned out again. his home is a
Anfield!!!!
cant wait for the start of the season.
YNWA
Adam and Spearing would be first to go if it was me… I hope Gylfi signs up. It’s unfortunate but it looks more likely that Cole will stay rather than Aquaman. Hendo will get better and better, he is gifted, but suffered from being played out of position for most of the season.
Stop thinking about twelve or thirteen players. We need to have a squad of 20 -25 quality players. While players like Adam and Spearing are not first team players Spearing would be a good player to have in the squad as he has a Liverpool heart and will not sulk at being on the bench.
Yet i have not see any team around the globe taking a player from a promoted team to win the tittle
I foresee that this season we will lose Aqua not Cole. In my opinion we need to sell Spearing and Adam not buy Sigurdsson is most likely to become the next Charlie Adam should we sign him. What is needed in midfield is a quality holding midfielder, Diame might just fit that bill. My hope is that Hendo becomes more settled and starts delivering up to his potential not signing Sigurdsson will mean we have to use Shelvey more and that will give him the opportunity he needs to grow Gerrard can be used more sparingly and if you want a player with guile going forward hello Joe Cole…. then again what do I know