‘Joy to watch’, ‘Better than Henderson’ - Fans react as Sky pundit talks up Newcastle star

The Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern have been reacting to comments made by Tony Cottee on Sky Sports as he’s branded Jonjo Shelvey as Newcastle’s best player and England’s best passer and has called on the midfielder to prove his worth and win a place in Gareth Southgate’s World cup squad. Shelvey has suffered an odd campaign, showing his quality inconsistently whilst also being sent off twice in his 24 Premier League appearances this season.

“Whoever’s been in that England squad, there isn’t anyone who can pass the ball better than Shelvey.”

Tony Cottee explains why Newcastle’s “best player” deserves a chance to prove himself for England.

Read more and see the stats that back it up here https://t.co/rCsPoRGt1f pic.twitter.com/9YDbCjCO2u

— Sky Sports PL (@SkySportsPL) 12 April 2018

Jonjo Shelvey is no doubt a talented footballer and one of, if not the, best player at Newcastle United. Shelvey’s ability to pick a pass is nothing short of phenomenal and when on his day it would be impossible to leave him out of the England squad. However, an apparent attitude problem, coupled with inconsistency and some lazy performances have thrown his summer plans into doubt.

The Magpies propping our bar up felt very hard done by in the recent international break when both Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles missed out on a place in Southgate’s extended 27 man squad. Although as the Geordies have started to hit some form, winning their last three games and scoring six goals in the process, it could be just a matter of time before Shelvey picks himself for England as his performances as of late have been nothing short of dazzling. Whoever Southgate ends up picking, he’s got a tough decision on his hands in the coming months, especially if the form of Shelvey continues.

You can read the Newcastle fans’ response to Cottee’s comments here: