Vinnie Jones Critical of Shelvey After Norwich Defeat

Former Welsh international and Wimbledon midfielder Vinnie Jones was critical of Jonjo Shelvey’s performance in Saturday’s defeat at Norwich City.

Jonjo Shelvey, who has recently been playing for England in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, has divided opinion on Vital Swansea. Some fans are praising him – saying he’s one of the few players performing at any decent level, while others are clearly not fans of his – saying his style of play slows down our attacking game.

Shelvey’s critics may have had a field day after Saturday’s defeat at Carrow Road after his error allowed the Canaries to win game after Swansea’s 67% possession created nothing in front of goal.

He was initially marking the goalscorer Howson as the ball came in, but he suddenly decided to mark the post, leaving his man to head home when the ball was headed back across from the far stick.

Vinnie Jones said of Shelvey’s performance:

“Shelvey’s got a cigar on if you ask me.

“I saw him against Watford and he looked like he had a King Edward in his mouth.

‘First he was the wrong side of Howson and then he got in the goalie’s way.”

Personally, I think Shelvey has upped his work rate this season and is the player that will look to play Gomis through on goal. That’s our main and best hope of scoring these days, but with the striker constantly getting offside or coming up against well-organised defences – like we did on Saturday – the Swans struggle to create chances for being too predictable and obvious.

BBC pundit Ian Wright also highlighted Shelvey’s error on Match of the Day, saying:

“It was a good corner by Norwich but Howson doesn’t move.

“Jonjo Shelvey picks him up at first and then leaves him with a free header.

“Howson picks up the position I used to take and it got me five or six goals every season.

“If you’re confident enough to stay in the six yard box, at some stage the man marking you will leave you.

“Shelvey has done just that and been punished for it.”

What are your opinions of Shelvey so far this season? Are you a fan of the midfielder? Is he suited to a holding midfield role? Let us know via the comments…