AMIDST all the rumour, speculation and guessing about possible new signings at Anfield this summer, new boss Brendan Rodgers has made Jonjo Shelvey his first signing since taking over at Anfield.
The young midfielder put pen to paper on a new long-term contract in recent days and, in an interview given to liverpolfc.com, the former Charlton player displayed obvious delight at the situation.
“I am really happy. Last season I was itching to try and push for a new contract. Now it’s happened and I am ready to kick on again now.
“It’s lovely to know I am in the plans for the future. At the moment, it’s just about getting things right each day and proving myself to the gaffer here. The gaffer and his way of playing will suit me down to the ground and hopefully I can be in his plans.”
When asked to evaluate his last season and what he has learnt from being at the football club so far, Shelvey replied:
“I think going away [on loan] to Blackpool helped me a lot. It gave me some experience, I scored some goals and I came back a better player. Kenny gave me a chance towards the latter stages of the season and I thought I showed what I can do.
“Tactically I have become a lot better and technically too. When you’re working with people like Steven Gerrard and people like that, you’re learning things day in, day out and it’s an honour.”
The young midfielder spoke in glowing terms about the arrival of the new boss, his first impressions of Rodgers and the mood within the club:
“I think he’s great. With all the passing drills he’s doing, he’s encouraging us to play all the time which is nice for a football player. Instead of doing a lot of long-distance running and things like that in pre-season, everything has been with a ball, which is more enjoyable. Everyone is enjoying training and looking forward to coming in.
“Everyone is buzzing because he likes to play football. That’s what people want to do and what fans want to see – nice, attractive football. Hopefully we can bring that to Anfield this year.”
The target for Shelvey now, as he says himself, is to try to force his way into the starting XI over the course of the season and show the fans and the boss what he can do:
“I want to get into the first team and be in the starting XI on a permanent basis. That’s going to be hard, but it’s something I’ve got to work towards.
“I’m buzzing to still be at Liverpool and I want to show the fans what I can do,” he finished.
You can catch Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 or on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/
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shelvey,will be a good players in the future.we must used him very oftenly.
‘more often’ instead of ‘very oftenly’
Should have started cup final. We’d have won. Spearing not good enough
As tenacious and hard working Spearing is , no way he should have stared before Jonjo in the final.
I wish people would stop picking on grammar in the comments section. LFC is a global brand and not everyone has English as their first language.
That being said, I am delighted at Jonjo’s new contract and the new manager seems to know what he is doing. YNWA
Edu (Kenya)
great news, Jonjo has all the attributes to be a future star for us. It’s good to see Brendan Rodgers showing faith in our young players