This statistic proves why Jonjo Shelvey is so crucial to Newcastle United's Premier League survival hopes

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton FC at St. James Park on December 28, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He may divide opinion among the Newcastle United fanbase, but the statistics prove Jonjo Shelvey could hold the key to Steve Bruce’s Magpies avoiding the Premier League drop.

After their 0-0 home draw against Burnley – their third goalless draw on the bounce at St James’s Park and their fourth game without a goal in the Premier League – United sit just FIVE points above the top flight bottom three.

One win in 10 – a fortuitous late victory over Chelsea – has seen them slide from looking like securing safety comfortably, to relegation contenders over the last eight weeks.

That depths of that run have coincided with the absence of United’s top-scorer this season, Shelvey. And it’s not just his goals Newcastle have missed, as this stat underlines.

According to stats compiled by ‘The Other 14’, Shelvey is not only United’s most creative player, he ranks as one of the most consistently creative players outside of the Premier League’s big six (Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Arsenal).

In the 1253 minutes played by Shelvey in the Premier League this season, he has created a total of 28 chances. On average he creates 2.01 chances per game, ranking him at 10th in the list of creators outside of the so-called ‘big six’.

Interestingly, Shelvey has played 111 minutes less than anyone else in the top 20, highlighting the injury problems the former Liverpool, Charlton and Swansea man has faced this campaign.