Exclusive: Rob Lee claims Jonjo Shelvey’s role in the side is not to run | OneFootball

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Football FanCast

·6 May 2021

Exclusive: Rob Lee claims Jonjo Shelvey’s role in the side is not to run

Article image:Exclusive: Rob Lee claims Jonjo Shelvey’s role in the side is not to run

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made 343 appearances for Newcastle United, has claimed that Jonjo Shelvey is in the team to do things other than run about the pitch.

During an episode of Zoom Army, a series on Newcastle’s YouTube channel, Shelvey was asked by a fan why he was so lazy which saw the stand-in captain claim his running stats said otherwise.


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Article image:Exclusive: Rob Lee claims Jonjo Shelvey’s role in the side is not to run

The £70,000-per-week midfielder is more known for his passing ability, something that often left Rafa Benitez awestruck during his time at the club.

Speaking on how Shelvey is not in the team to run about the pitch and what he really brings to the team, Lee exclusively told FFC:

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“I think he probably runs but doesn’t sprint, but he probably covers a lot of ground. I’m not a believer in stats because Jonjo Shelvey is not in the team to run around and close people down.

“Jonjo Shelvey has great passing ability and on his day his passing is as good as anybody so I’d say he is probably one of the best passers in the league.”

Article image:Exclusive: Rob Lee claims Jonjo Shelvey’s role in the side is not to run

Shelvey signed in January 2016, which was to be only months before Newcastle were relegated to the Championship. However, the former Liverpool midfielder stuck with the club and helped get them promoted at the first time of asking.

The England international has been handed the captain’s armband while Jamaal Lascelles is recovering from an injury that could keep him out for several weeks.

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