Newcastle have enjoyed a sensational resurgence since the turn of the year under Eddie Howe's management in the Premier League.

They are unbeaten in six matches in the division and have gone from being in the relegation zone to 17th in the table as it stands.

Howe has integrated the likes of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, among others, into his side and got the best out of a number of the players he inherited from Steve Bruce.

One player who has caught the eye under the ex-Bournemouth boss is central midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, with the former Liverpool man impressing in recent months.

Shelvey 2.0

Howe could have the dream heir to Jonjo Shelvey's midfield throne at St. James' Park already waiting in the wings on Tyneside as midfielder Lucas De Bolle has emerged as a potential first-team option.

Both players are central midfielders who excel at spreading the play with a variety of passes, whilst setting up chances for their teammates in the process.

In the Premier League this season, Shelvey has averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.89 - creating 13 openings in the final third and managing five successful long passes per game. This shows that he has the ability to unlock a defence with the ball at his feet from a deep-lying midfield role.

De Bolle, meanwhile, showed off his passing range in an EFL Trophy match against Mansfield Town's first-team earlier this term. As per SofaScore, he completed all seven of his long pass attempts and 80% of his passes overall, whilst picking up an assist as he created one 'big chance'. He also worked hard defensively, making two clearances, one block and three interceptions in the middle of the park.

The 19-year-old magician, who has three assists for the U23s, was rewarded for his efforts in the youth team with a place on the bench against both Aston Villa and West Ham in the Premier League this month.

This suggests that Howe has seen enough from him in training to know that he has the potential to make it at first-team level, as he has been willing to introduce him to the senior squad on multiple matchdays.

On his recent rise, the Englishman told Newcastle's official website: "I think I've put in good performances for the under-23s, playing every minute for the last nine games. I think I'm in good form and training with the first-team has been a reward because of that."

It is now down to him to push on and make the next step by earning his Premier League debut for the club. If Howe is able to work with him on the training pitch to ensure that he is ready to play at that level then he could be unearthing the dream Shelvey heir to take over his spot in the years to come...

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