Arguably the most popular and sought after ticket in the Liverpool football calendar. The unconventional derby match against hated rivals Manchester United has always provided plenty of fireworks. This season's fixture at Anfield continued that trend.
Only 39 minutes had ticked off the clock, the match remained scoreless, though, the atmosphere was electric and the exuberance filtered down to the pitch—a sending off seemed imminent.
Lunging into a 50/50 challenge for a loose ball with two-feet, legs apart in a scissor-like fashion, Jonjo Shelvey was forced to watch his team's eventual 2-1 defeat from the stands. However, the 20 year-old did not accept his punishment quietly, upon exiting the field, Shelvey directed his frustrations towards United's Sir Alex Ferguson, giving the legendary manager an earful before disappearing into the tunnel.
Having a go at the cobra-like Scotsman upped his street credit in and around Anfield, endearing himself even further to Kopites on Merseyside. Shelvey's reaction even surprised Ferguson, leaving the normally talkative manager speechless in his technical area.
He may be a loose cannon and extremely volatile at times—occasionally allowing his fiery emotions to negatively impact his actions on the pitch. These are some of the negative attributes that are reminiscent of the clubs current captain during the early days of his Liverpool career. It's no secret that Shelvey is a huge admirer of Steven Gerrard, crafting his game to emulate his childhood idol. Despite his aggressive nature, Shelvey possesses the characteristics to be a huge success for Liverpool
After putting pen to paper to complete his move to Anfield, Shelvey confirmed the obvious, "I've mirrored my game on Steven Gerrard - I love him to bits, everything about him, from the way he walks to the way he plays. I want to have played with him and against him by the time I've finished my career. That's my dream.'' The natural successor to the clubs legendary captain might have been found, with the added bonus of being able to learn from the man himself on a daily basis, cultivating his natural abilities under Gerrard's tutelage. The script almost rights itself.
Liverpool paid Charlton under $3 million for Shelvey in May 2010--a minimal sum of money for a club of the Reds stature. Putting the transfer into perspective, the Addicks were playing in League One at the time, and despite Shelvey's standout performances that season, the jump in class still made it a risky purchase. Shelvey had already become Charlton's youngest debutant and goal-scorer at 16, and word of mouth was travelling fast about the Romford-born midfielder.
Presently, the gamble has paid off for Liverpool.
Similar to his predecessors, Brendan Rodgers shares the same belief on Shelvey's quality and potential—which was clearly evident in the six-part documentary Being Liverpool. The North Londoner has become a regular selection this season, compiling 13 starts in all competitions, with four goals scored in the Europa League.
Unfortunately, Shelvey's first appearance for Liverpool was overshadowed by a humiliating defeat at Anfield, crashing out of the 2010/11 Carling Cup to fourth-tier Northampton Town in a shoot-out. Not the most ideal debut, but at least Shelvey converted his spot-kick. One month later, Kenny Dalglish handed the midfielder his first start for the Reds at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples—housing one of the most hostile and intimidating atmosphere's in Italy. The match ended scoreless, but Shelvey lasted the full 90 minutes, proving his ability to handle the pressure of a European night.
Despite making 21 overall appearances that season, with the better majority coming off the bench, Dalglish decided that a loan move to Blackpool at the start of the 2011/12 campaign would benefit both parties, seeing as Shelvey would earn valuable experience and more minutes at the seaside club. To say the decision was a success would be terribly understated. Shelvey lasted only 10 matches with the Tangerines, scoring six--half of those coming at Elland Road against Leeds--before being recalled to Liverpool before the new year because of an injury crisis.
Upon returning to Anfield, Shelvey was thrusted into the Reds depleted lineup--partly due to injuries, the rest earned on merit—Liverpool's confident youngster made his first Premier League start against Aston Villa and within three weeks scored his first goal for the club in the FA Cup against Oldham Athletic. The season ended horribly for the club, underachieving tremendously to finish eighth in the table, but Shelvey did manage to bag his first ever Premier League goal before years-end at Anfield versus Chelsea.
What followed that goal has now become a common occurrence whenever Shelvey scores--using both hands to mimic glasses in homage to his brother. The midfielder is the only member of the family not to wear a pair himself. The comical googly-eyed celebration is now well-known by Liverpool fans.
Comparisons to Gerrard are easy observations, as both play at a high intensity and leave everything on the pitch, surrendering their bodies without a second thought for the club. The levels of aggression are off the charts, and sometimes are emotionally driven. Gerrard was notoriously reckless at the beginning of his career, earning plenty of red cards and a reputation as a dirty player. Eventually, through match experience and maturity, Gerrard channelled his overly assertive nature and became the finished product he is today and a model professional.
Liverpool is banking on Shelvey following the same path. In spite of his relative inexperience, his intelligence in offensive positions is a tell-tale sign of a great player in the making. Add to the mix a keen eye for goal, with the confidence to unleash a shot from distance or accurately hit the target from a tight angle—Shelvey looks more and more like the real deal. At times, he can be at fault for being too adventurous, whether it is in distribution or galloping to far forward, but, those rough edges will be polished through match experience.
With Gerrard as a mentor and taking Shelvey under his wing—the youngster is living out his dream by learning the ropes from one of the best in the business. It's a win-win scenario for Liverpool. Performances on the pitch have quickly made Shelvey a Kop favourite, earning rave reviews through his sheer desire and hustle, both being virtues that are held in high regard and appreciated by fans in the region.
England manager Roy Hodgson recently awarded Shelvey his first call-up to the national team—a good sign that his development into a first team regular at Liverpool is not going unnoticed. It was a monumental achievement for the 20 year-old, running onto the Wembley pitch in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino, albeit a substitute appearance, Shelvey has made the breakthrough amongst the elite.
Liverpool made sure to lock up their prized midfielder with a new long-term contract last summer, making sure Shelvey will be a part of the club for the foreseeable future.
Despite his cocky demeanor, Shelvey ended up apologizing to Ferguson for his outburst after being sent off in the derby--much to the dismay of the clubs supporters.
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