Jonjo Shelvey is willing to play in any position — be it up front, in defense or even in goal — as long as it means he can play for Liverpool.
The 20-year-old has already been tested in a variety of roles by manager Brendan Rodgers so far this season.
He led the line against Young Boys at Anfield in the UEFA Europa League, played down the left flank against Southampton on Saturday and has operated in both attacking and defensive central-midfield positions for the Reds.
“If you play me at left-back, right-back or even in goal I’d be happy because it’s Liverpool. I’d play anywhere for this club,” Shelvey explained to the official Liverpool monthly magazine.
“I’ve always been able to get into the box. I should’ve scored a few more in the last few weeks too. I’ve got into some good positions but not put the ball in the net. But I think the goals will come.
“I want to stay here for a long time and to be a regular in the team. To do that I know the manager has to be able to rely on me.
“If you look at lads like Stevie [Steven Gerrard] and Carra [Jamie Carragher], they did it when they were my age — they lived up to their billing. I’m trying to do the same. When Liverpool made an offer, accepting it was the easiest choice I have ever had.”
Shelvey began his footballing career as part of Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2002 before moving on to West Ham and then Charlton, where he played professionally for two seasons.
At Anfield, the midfielder has played 59 games, taking his career total to over 100 despite his tender age of 20.
“I know a lot of my appearances came in the lower leagues but I’ve played over a century of senior games,” he said. “That’s nothing compared to some players but it’s good experience. I see myself as someone who can help the younger lads.
“When it comes to selecting players to go in the middle for possession exercises at training, it’s usually the youngest that goes in first. For the last few years that’s always been me. Not any more thankfully. Now it’s Raheem [Sterling] instead.
“I can see why people imagine [making the step up to the first team] can be intimidating, but I’d say it’s exciting more than anything else.
“What’s important is that you don’t get carried away. I won’t lie — it can go to your head. If it does, you need others to keep you right. I had good pros like Matt Holland, Nicky Baily, Deon Burton and Christian Dailly to look out for me [at Charlton].
“Eventually there comes a point when you need to stand on your own two feet, but that kind of support is very technical. The young lads have come in and done well and the rest of us are there to help them if or when they require help.”
