What To Expect As Shelvey Signs New Contract

Jonjo Shelvey has today committed his future to Liverpool FC by signing a long term contract with the club. The 20 year old had a good season in 2011-12, a very successful spell on loan at Blackpool was cut short when injury meant that Liverpool had to recall him. He went on to score his first goal for Liverpool in a cup tie against Oldham Athletic and his first Premier League goal in a 4-1 victory over Chelsea. His Premier League goal was a real cracker as well, a beautifully struck half volley from long range.

I personally am very happy that Shelvey will be staying at LFC. He seems to have a lot of potential, he is a good physical player that can get box-to-box and a good technical player who can pick out a pass to cut through any defence. One brilliant example of his passing ability is the pass that he played through for Luis Suarez to score against Fulham in the 5-2 victory during the 2010-11 season, that moment of excellence gave Suarez the goal that his play deserved and although Shelvey was not one of the players most people remember from that match, for me, he was the unsung hero of the night.

Shelvey is a central midfielder whose attacking capabilities have seen him likened to Steven Gerrard and I think that with Roy Hodgson in charge of the England national team and the apparent focus on youth that he has imposed, a full international call up isn't that far away so long as Brendan Rodgers gives Shelvey chances in the first team.

I really want to see Shelvey stay with Liverpool this season instead of going out on loan. I think he has enough quality to challenge for a place now and I also think he has the potential to become a key player in the years to come. I believe that Shelvey may not end up as a central midfielder, I think he could become more of a second striker as he is creative and has good shooting attributes, another possibility is a move out to the wing as he seems to have a trick or two to take on full backs. I see a bright future for Jonjo and hope he is with the club for many successful seasons to come.