This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Steve Bruce seems to have found the right balance in his starting line-up but Newcastle would benefit significantly if Jonjo Shelvey was given greater license to roam forward.
On the chalkboard
The Magpies settled on a five-at-the-back system last term and it has worked better for Bruce than the more expansive style he set out with against Arsenal and Norwich earlier in the season.
However, he has now put all of his eggs in one basket and seems unwilling to diverge despite now having an organised defence and warning signs that the team need to be more ambitious.
Shelvey has shown how effective he can be in attack several times in this campaign alone, primarily when he scored against Manchester City. However, he is restricted under Bruce because of the defensive responsibilities and restrictions he is placed under.
It is simply not part of his game. Throughout his career, indiscipline has led to numerous yellow and red cards, while in 2019/20 his tackling and interception has been found out, with just one and 1.1 per game in each respective department.
Contrast that to midfield partner Isaac Hayden, who has averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game.
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License to roam
Shelvey has always displayed a knack for spraying passes and scoring long-range goals. His technical ability and confidence allow him to pull these off on a consistent basis, and the Magpies could duly benefit if he was able to do such things more often.
With the current set-up in place those opportunities are rare, though he has still managed to tally three league goals so far in 2019/20.
He has also managed 1.3 key passes and 4.1 long balls per game, but if allowed to venture forward – with Hayden covering in midfield – then he could be a real danger to the opposition.
He could provide some much-needed support for Joelinton and act as an anchor in the opposition’s half for the wingers to pick out and make runs off – subsequently giving Newcastle a lot more options.
That would reduce the pressure on Allan Saint-Maximin to make as many dribbles as he has this campaign, averaging 4.3 per game, and goals should flow once Shelvey and the forward players build an understanding.
Steve Bruce has another option at his disposal to increase Newcastle’s effectiveness going forward, and bringing the best out of this 22-year-old could prove pivotal.