A lot of Newcastle United fans have replied to a tweet from NUFC 360, which has relayed quotes made by Matt Ritchie on his teammate Jonjo Shelvey.
Ritchie speaking on In The Box claimed that if Shelvey had ‘his head screwed on he could play for Barcelona’. (21:20)
That is how good the former Bournemouth man thinks the 28-year-old is.
This has drawn a huge reaction from many Toon fans who are not convinced.
Do you agree with Ritchie?
No, Shelvey could not play for Barcelona
Yes, he has the talent
Matt Ritchie on Jonjo Shelvey: “If he had his head screwed on he could play for Barcelona. That’s how good he is.” #nufc
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) May 3, 2020
If a complete nutter like Ritchie is telling you “if you had your head strewed on” then you know theres a problem.
— Peter Liddle (@PeterLiddle1) May 3, 2020
And then he woke up, don’t be ridiculous mate
— Paul Hewitt (@PaulHew03845348) May 3, 2020
Some of his passes you have to admit are world class.although I do like him.he is nowhere near good enough for Barca.
— chalkster nufc (@NufcChalkster) May 3, 2020
And thats the big issue in a nutshell
— Dave Melia (@bodas73) May 3, 2020
Yep hasn’t the head or the work rate to match his ability
— Will Sheridan (@I_Am_Will__) May 3, 2020
He’s never had and never will have his head screwed on.
— Met (@widdymet) May 3, 2020
@J94Riley wow
— Kieran Hughes (@keeza1992) May 3, 2020
What do we think?
Both Ritchie and Shelvey signed new contracts earlier this year, keeping them on Tyneside until the summer of 2023, and it seems that Ritchie rates Shelvey highly. (21:20)
The two have played 92 matches together and five goals have come from a direct combination of the two.
However, to say that Shelvey could play for Barcelona seems a bit over the top though there is no denying he is a talented footballer.
This season Shelvey is the Toon’s top goalscorer in the league and averages a 7.08 rating in the league, so he has been important for Newcastle, but to say he could play for Barcelona doesn’t sit right with these Toon fans.