Liverpool’s Jonjo Shelvey: It’s been a career-defining season

Jonjo Shelvey believes he will feel the benefits of what has been a career-defining season at Liverpool next term.

The England Under-21 international was a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ side at the start of the campaign as the youngster profited from injuries and lack of options available to the Reds boss.

Shelvey, 21, scored a memorable brace in a 5-3 victory over Young Boys and the winner at West Ham United before falling out of favour in the second half of the season and only making a handful of substitute appearances.

The midfielder, who was brought to Anfield by former manager Rafael Benítez, admitted it has been a learning curve at the Merseyside outfit and he will be a better player next season.

“I think this has been one of the most important [seasons] in my career so far,” Shelvey told Liverpool’s website.

“The last three months has been a bit stop-start for me. The first part of the season I was enjoying my football but the last three months I haven’t been because I haven’t had as much game time as I would have liked.

“I suppose looking back I have played a few games in the first team, had some crazy moments and good moments. I would say it has been a good season for me personally.

“I made my England debut as well and I have learnt a new way of playing football with the new manager coming in. The defensive side of your game helps your attacking side so I feel I have learned that.

“It’s nice to have a manager like Brendan who plays the young lads and has trust in you to go out and prove yourself.”