Liam Kennedy has slammed the displays of Jonjo Shelvey for Newcastle United so far in the 2020/21 term.
Writing in his latest piece for The Shields Gazette, the journalist claimed that the former Liverpool and Swansea City player 'needs to do more' and added that he 'chooses not to up those levels' with reference to his overall work ethic on the pitch.
Kennedy went on to claim that Shelvey is 'no world beater' and 'lacks a yard or five of pace and mobility', adding that he is 'not a worthy carrier of the armband' and 'not a player who leads by example'.
Shelvey underwhelming for Newcastle
There is no doubt that very much like the St. James' Park faithful's season so far, Shelvey has been pretty underwhelming.
The central midfield player ranks relatively low among his teammates in terms of tackles (1.2), interceptions (1.1) and clearances (1.3) per match in the Premier League so far (Whoscored), suggesting that he needs to improve on the defensive side of his game.
He has also managed a mere one goal and two assists in 26 appearances in total in the top flight so far, and considering that Joe Willock has scored four from midfield already having only joined in the January transfer window on loan from Arsenal (Whoscored), Shelvey certainly needs to be having a greater impact in at least one of attacking or defending - he is ineffective on both sides of the ball at the moment.
Nonetheless, the 29-year-old Englishman will be hoping for a much stronger finish to the campaign from a personal point of view, but fans will likely be hoping he isn't afforded the chance and Willock comes in as a sure-fire starter.