Shelvey can be unplayable... when he wants

JONJO Shelvey’s performances have been a joy to be hold in recent weeks.

The midfielder really looks like he is enjoying his football for Newcastle United at the moment - and it is showing in his play out on the pitch. He has always had the talent, and he is a real matchwinner when he is on his game.

The frustration with him has always been that you’re not quite sure what you’re going to get. He was at Liverpool, but his inconsistency meant he did not establish himself at Anfield.

Earlier on this season, we weren’t seeing the Shelvey who dominated the Championship last term - but in recent weeks he has been the creative force behind Newcastle’s promising form in 2018.

The thing with Shelvey is that he seems to be very much mood-driven as a footballer. I don’t know him personally, so I can’t say it for certain, but as an ex-professional you can tend to tell by how somebody acts out on the pitch. You know who he reminds me of in many ways? Kevin Dillon. Not in terms of ability - Shelvey has far more than Kevin ever did - but in terms of temperament. Kevin would have about 10 mood swings every game. I remember one match away at Blackburn while we were at Portsmouth, when he hadn’t been able to pass a ball 10 yards. Then, all of sudden, he lashed in an unstoppable shot from 30 yards. Alan Ball was our manager and he said to Kevin after the game: “Where the heck did that come from?” To which Kevin responded in an angry voice: “I just imagined your head was on the ball and leathered it!”

My point is that sometimes I think Shelvey’s mindset affects his play.

When he is enjoying himself and comfortable in his environment, he is almost unplayable.

What I like about him is he offers something different. That’s why he should have been in the England squad on current form in my opinion.

I just hope he channels that disappointment wisely.

If I was him, I’d want to prove the England management wrong by going out and dominating right through until the end of the season.

Shelvey has been crucial to Newcastle’s recent revival.

If Shelvey continues his recent form, Newcastle will survive.

That’s how influential he is when he has his mind in the right place.