OPINION
A top 8 finish in the Premier League is certainly up for grabs this season and Newcastle United can enjoy a dream return to the top flight if they build their team around Jonjo Shelvey.
Rafael Benitez needs to make the 25-year-old the first name on the team-sheet as he has the quality to make the Magpies a very strong footballing side.
The North East club are beginning to look defensively resolute and have several different centre-forwards to rotate between.
Shelvey has endured a a frustrating start to the campaign after being sent off in the opening day of the season and Benitez did not immediately reinstate him to the starting XI after serving his suspension.
However, he completed his first 90 minutes of the Premier League campaign before the international break in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool and Newcastle tend to play better when he is pulling the string in the middle of the park.
The six-timed capped England international is a very intelligent footballer that is brilliant in possession and also has an eye for goal.
With Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden alongside him in the midfield Newcastle look like being a real force.
Shelvey will be desperate this season to prove he belongs in the top flight and the midfield maestro can guide Newcastle to a top 8 finish.
The top 6 of the Premier League seems set in stone with the elite clubs head and shoulders above the rest, but there is no reason why Benitez’s side can’t be in the mix in the top half of the table.
Newcastle’s form at St James’ Park is going to be crucial to their season and Shelvey will help them dominate possession at home.
The Englishman operates most effectively as a box-to-box midfielder and Benitez needs to begin building his team around the star man.