OPINION
Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey appears to be already mentally relaxing on a beach after a job well done, but Rafa Benitez needs to get the midfielder’s head back in the game.
The 26-year-old central midfielder submitted one of his worst performances of the season so far, during the 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Given his immense talent, it was an unacceptable performance by Shelvey’s standards, as even his usual pinpoint passing ability was nowhere to be seen.
The pass master had previously been in tremendous form ahead of Saturday’s game against the Baggies and was one the performers who could claim that they had a significant part in securing the Magpies’ Premier League status for next season.
However just because Benitez’s side are safely sat 10th in the table, with 41 points, making them nine points clear of 18th-placed Southampton with only three games to go, doesn’t mean the season is over.
The 26-year-old midfielder may think his work at St James’ Park is done until the next campaign, after making 30 appearances across all competitions this season, but that is an appalling attitude to have.
Magpies supporters still want to see their side climb the table as high as they possible can, and that can only be done by the team trying to pick up points in the three games that remain.
Fans have paid good money to watch their side perform to their best, not to see Shelvey aimlessly wandering around the pitch like he’s already mentally sipping daiquiris by a pool on some tropical island.
Benitez previously made an intriguing comment, in hindsight based on Shelvey’s latest display, by saying a potential England call-up for the World Cup would give the midfielder motivation for the rest of the campaign.
“If Jonjo had the motivation of the World Cup, I think he’d be great,” said Benitez, as quoted by The Guardian.
However the 26-year-old still doesn’t look like he will be on the plane to Russia in the summer, and clearly Benitez is aware that the creative genius is a player who needs to be motivated to be at his best.
Benitez is wrong to pine for Shelvey to get linked to the England squad in order for him to motivated and he should personally set him straight.
The Spanish manager should make the midfielder aware that he is playing for a place in the Magpies’ squad for next season, as no one should feel like they’re a guaranteed starter in the side.
Therefore Benitez needs to haul Shelvey into his office ahead of the Magpies’ game against Watford on Saturday to ensure that he’s focused on the match and not picturing himself enjoying the upcoming summer break.