To say that Blackpool were disappointed at the news that Jonjo Shelvey would be recalled by Liverpool after the injury to midfielder Lucas is an understatement. Shelvey was the Seasiders’ second top scorer this season, despite only playing from October onwards, with 6 goals in 10 games, including a 35 yard free kick on debut against Bristol City, and a memorable hatrick at Elland Road in an incredible 5-0 win. Disappointment, tinged with confusion, as the fans who watched him every week can clearly state that Shelvey is completely different kind of player, and not the kind who can slot into the role left by the Brazilian.
It seems that the confusion is shared with those on Merseyside, with Liverpool fan Al Cannon saying “It's difficult to see why Dalglish decided to recall Jonjo when he was making such quality progress at Blackpool and flourishing in an attacking role, simply to cover for Lucas who plays in a much more defensive role. I can only imagine that Shelvey must boast decent defensive qualities that haven't been tested as yet in the Premier League. The decision to recall him may appear to have been a necessary one now after Spearing's recent 3-match ban.”
As for Shelvey’s near future, it has been expected that Liverpool will sign midfield cover for Lucas in January, and Cannon believes Shelvey could be available again for the Seasiders should they do so. “I don't see why he shouldn't be allowed back to Blackpool if Liverpool do sign cover, he looked fantastic for Blackpool and it'd boost his confidence to continue there playing regularly, as opposed to temporarily rotting on the Liverpool bench. As for who we could bring in, Stilian Petrov is an experienced and assured midfield general who is the fulcrum in an inferior Aston Villa side, he could be tempted by a move. The Brazilian midfielder Jadson would be an interesting move, he has won many honours in Ukraine and could be persuaded to England for a new challenge”.
The obvious link between the two clubs is Liverpool’s current playmaker, and Blackpool’s former hero, Charlie Adam, who made the switch to Anfield in the summer after a year of impressing in Blackpool’s Premiership campaign, and when asked how the midfielder was getting on, Cannon was careful with his praise.
“Comparisons to Xabi Alonso are exaggerating his ability, although Adam was Blackpool's answer to Steven Gerrard prior to him moving to Merseyside. Adam has started his Anfield career brightly; however people are too quick to lavish praise on him at times when the passing that he's so renowned for can be a little inconsistent at times. Adam displays flashes of brilliance and has been a very useful addition to the Liverpool squad, and we will be able to give a more in-depth view later on in the season.”
It seems as though Adam will have to compete with Shelvey in the future for his place in the Liverpool side, with the Anfield club certainly seeing a big future for the unmistakable playmaker. “Liverpool are most effective when they play with Suarez upfront on his own with support either side of him and with a player in behind,” said Cannon. “I have no doubt that in the future Shelvey could fit in nicely into either of these roles with his attacking ability. I would personally be interested to see how he fares playing "in the hole" behind Suarez”.
For the season ahead, Cannon is optimistic, but realistic, knowing Liverpool don’t have to squad to compete with the main heavyweights. “If Liverpool continue to drop points against opposition that they should be taking three points then they will undoubtedly finish outside the top four, possibly 5th or 6th.
"If Liverpool manage to get into a good stride and build a decent run of form through the festive period and beyond then it will be a tight battle for the top four between a number of clubs including the Merseysiders.” One thing is for sure, Shelvey has his work cut out getting the same game time at Anfield as he got at Bloomfield Road.
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