Does Jonjo Shelvey need to leave Liverpool?

Having recently falling down the midfield pecking order at Anfield, could Jonjo Shelvey benefit from a fresh start away from Merseyside?

There has been speculation recently about a reported bid from Stoke City, although it is believed that Liverpool’s valuation of the player was not met, with the Reds reportedly holding out for £7m.

Shelvey burst on the scene at just 16-years-old at Charlton Athletic and was quick to thrust into a regular starting berth under then manager Alan Pardew.  Even at such a tender age, Shelvey showed all the makings of a potential top player.  He had a superb engine with a deft touch and his eye of a pass was sharp.  He also had an eye for a goal, becoming the clubs youngest ever goalscorer scoring from 20-yards out against Norwich City in the FA Cup at the Valley before he had turned 17.

After two full seasons with the Addicks, Liverpool came calling and signed Shelvey for an initial fee of £1.7m in May 2010.  Since then, Shelvey has had to prove himself to three different managers and although Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish both used him in their squads it was current manager Brendan Rodgers who has seemed most keen on Shelvey, leading him to have made almost 30 first team appearances this term.

However, January signings Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho have meant a slight change in the way Liverpool way.  Steven Gerrard has been deployed slightly deeper and the resurgences shown by Jordan Henderson and Joe Allen, as well as the return from injury of Lucas Leiva have all conspired against Shelvey.

At 21-years-old and having made his full England debut this season, it may be of benefit to the player to seek regular starts at pastures new.  The man dubbed by many upon his arrival at Anfield as the ‘Next Steven Gerrard’ risks his career becoming stagnant at Liverpool, which would be a waste of such great potential.

Aaron SharpFollow @ajs26061988