Newcastle fans have been taking to Twitter to discuss their midfield options since their 0-0 draw at Cardiff and a lot of fans have come to the same conclusion about their double pivot. Rafa Benitez plays a 4-2-3-1 formation and Mo Diame and Jonjo Shelvey have performed well in the two, although after the Cardiff draw, most fans are keen to see Sung-Yueng Ki replace Mo Diame next weekend.
Shelvey has had a great start to the season. Diame, not so much. Would it be worth slotting Ki in or even adding him to those two? #NUFC
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) August 19, 2018
Most fans have been looking back over Shelvey and Ki’s performances for Swansea when they played next to each other in the 2014/15 season and they want to see the same level of creativity that the pair produced back then for the Magpies. Mo Diame has improved his game massively over the last 12 months, but against tougher opposition, they want to see someone who looks after the ball a bit better and Ki does that.
It will be interesting to see how Benitez reacts to the 0-0 draw against Cardiff and the bitter-sweet feelings at the full-time whistle. Getting a point away from home with ten men is one thing, but missing a 96th-minute penalty is always gut-wrenching and most fans are keen to see how their Spanish gaffer will adjust the lineup and tactics as they now have to prepare for Chelsea at home on Sunday.
You can read the Geordies’ verdict on Ki here:
https://twitter.com/lewisreay14/status/1031285633757728769
Ki & Shelvey know each other well, Diame needs to understand there is competition for his place, now is a good time to play Ki I think
— Foxy – ماكر (@Foxy_005) August 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/shxIvey/status/1031286047492243458
Think Diame needs to be dropped tbh, no matter who comes in. He's been terrible in possession and lost it so many times, Has to be Ki and Shelvey for me. Can't be any worse!
— Paul Whyte (@Chalky_Whyte) August 19, 2018
Diame clearly struggling. Has been lost the ball too close to our goal in both games
— Mitch Lindsay (@mitchlindsay3) August 19, 2018
Yes. Although Diame’s improvement has been marked, Ki is different class and looks after the ball a bit better. Would like to see him given a start. Early days yet #NUFC
— Dean Burns 💙 (@deanoburns) August 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/petehind84/status/1031288703824654336
The supporters are keen to see Shelvey and Ki together and they think that the Chelsea match could be the perfect opportunity to see it.
