False 9? - Liverpool fans react on Twitter to Jonjo Shelvey performance

There were plenty of questions last week about how Liverpool would replace the suspended Luis Suarez up front, and Jonjo Shelvey was an option picked out of leftfield by manager Brendan Rodgers.

While pundits and fans were asking whether the manager would go for the youth of Adam Morgan of Samed Yesil, it was central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey who got the nod, and it paid off as the former Charlton man helped play a part in the winner late in the second half to win the game 3-2.

While there is a debate over whether the winner will go down as Shelvey's, or an own goal for James Collins, the 20-year-old will certainly try and claim it, while in a separate incident he was denied a clear penalty.

What was his performance like overall? Well other than his part in the goal he had three shots, none that landed on target, didn't get caught offside once and completed 82 per cent of his passes, helping to link the play and bring his fellow attackers into the game.

Will Liverpool fans be keen to see him up front again? We aren't so sure, but at least the Reds got away with it this time. 

Brendan Rodgers was quick though to praise the midfielder after the game: "Young Jonjo, at 20 years of age, played the No.9 role a different way, combining with the midfielders to make the fourth man, being a threat when he is in around the box and showing great feet...He has a big future."

Here is a look at what supporters thought of his performance, via Twitter...

@adambarham: Huge fan of jonjo shelvey. Gonna be a world class player #boss

@d_connelly95: Shelvey is getting better and better :) 

@jack_probyn: Think its safe to say Shelvey has earned his place in Liverpools first team

@jack_sear_: Shelvey played like a proper centre forward in that second half today. Won every header (v hard to do vs WHU), and was great with ball…

@shamsul: Shelvey was all over the place, first half. Almost as if he was trying too hard. Second half, calmed down and played his more natural game.

@_kevinoneill_: Shelvey's growth into a first team played is really encouraging. One of the first names on the team sheet for me.

@howlingfantodd: Shelvey's a decent target man and hits the target with his headers as often as Carroll.

@donallfc: Thought Shelvey did well up front today. Sterling also good second half - brilliant assist for Cole. Lucas makes a massive difference.

@bezzy1997: Shelvey is decent in the false 9 role, didn't rate him until I saw him in that position

@samprocter91: Rate Shelvey highly, he's not a forward but he'll be brilliant just behind for years to come.

How did you rate Shelvey's performance? Were you impressed?

image: © kong niffe