Jonjo Shelvey has been the 'secret' ingredient behind Newcastle United's up-turn in form in recent weeks. That's the view of former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie, who believes that Eddie Howe has turned the 30-year-old's fortunes around after a tough start to the season.
Having started just one of the Magpies' first 10 matches, Shelvey returned to the side for Graeme Jones' final change as Interim boss at Brighton & Hove Albion and has missed just one game since. The 4-0 defeat against Manchester City was the only Premier League game he didn't play in.
That was actually Newcastle's last top-flight defeat, emphasising Shelvey's instrumental impact to the side. They have gone on a nine-game unbeaten run, winning seven of those in the process.
It's a run that has moved them up to 14th, 10 points clear of the relegation zone ahead of Sunday's trip to Chelsea. And McAvennie has singled out Shelvey for his performances in the Magpies' matches.
"I mean, look at Shelvey. He was nowhere near under Bruce," McAvennie told Football Insider. "He’s playing better now than he probably ever has for Newcastle.
"You look at the players alongside him. Willock, Joelinton, they were doing nothing at the start of the season.
"They looked really bad, not just poor. Now they are playing so, so well.
"That’s Newcastle’s secret strength. A lot of people are talking about the money and I’m not sure that’s right, people aren’t talking about these players.
"Yes, money was spent. Yes, Newcastle are better for it, I get that. But look at the players who were rubbish at the start of the season and look where they are now. It’s a very good turnaround and all of a sudden they have quality all over the pitch."
