Paco’s praise for Shelvey: He’s up there with the very best...
PACO - NO QUESTION ABOUT QUALITY OF MIDFIELDER
NEWCASTLE United coach Francisco de Míguel Moreno says that Jonjo Shelvey is one of the best technical players he has ever worked with.
There’s no doubt that Shelvey must clean up his act as far as his discipline is concerned, but Newcastle’s coaching team are trying to help him become the complete player.
Shelvey may find himself on the bench again this weekend ahead of the home clash with Stoke City due to the fine form of Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden.
Moreno – or Paco as he is known to players and staff – has worked closely with Rafa Benitez during his time as boss at huge clubs like Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli.
Having trained the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, Paco’s praise should be taken as a real compliment by Shelvey. Shelvey is waiting to see what type of role he is handed for this weekend’s clash with Stoke City with Merino and Hayden selected ahead of him during the 1-0 win over Swansea City on a day when the former Charlton Athletic man didn’t even get off the bench.
Paco told the Chronicle: “He’s one of the best we have worked with technically.
“We have worked with some very good players too.
“He has those attributes and he is a very good player technically, but also with other things.
“In general we know that his level is good.
“He knows he has to improve, but knows exactly what he needs to do to achieve that.”
Shelvey did himself no harm on Monday night after playing the full 90 minutes in the Under-23 game against Norwich City.
Having served his FA ban for stamping on Dele Alli he is now