Although it appeared that attacking reinforcements would dominate the headlines in January, Scott Parker appears to be looking to sort out his midfield during this window.
According to Football League World, Jonjo Shelvey was training with Burnley last week. As a free agent, Shelvey would prefer a deal to be completed sooner rather than later.
Midfield has been an issue for Parker this season, as he has tried various different combinations to find something that works, and while most have failed, he now appears to have settled on a trio of Josh’s that works.
Parker often uses Josh Cullen and Josh Laurent to hold the midfield, with Josh Brownhill playing in a more advanced role, but the Clarets are lacking in choices in those two deeper positions.
Brownhill has been known to fill in there, but it’s well acknowledged that it’s not his finest position, so it’s not surprising to see Parker explore other midfield possibilities.
Scott Parker may not need to shop around to find his midfield answer
Despite Burnley’s promotion race, the FA Cup allowed Parker to evaluate periphery players, including one who likely drew his attention.
Joe Bauress, 18, went into the midfield in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Reading and performed brilliantly throughout, raising the issue of whether Shelvey’s signing is truly essential when there is a kid capable of stepping up.
Those unfamiliar with Bauress would have mistaken him for a seasoned professional based on his ability in the middle of the pitch.
Bauress accomplished all you’d expect of a modern-day number six, dropping deep to dominate play and demonstrating his ability to manage the ball and bounce the Clarets out of tight situations.
It was telling how highly regarded he must be that his teammates trusted him enough to give him the ball in those tight areas, knowing he could handle it.
Parker may consider involving him more towards the conclusion of the season after seeing his performance on Saturday.
Jonjo Shelvey has one key quality that Joe Bauress lacks
Experience is invaluable in sport, especially for Burnley as they strive for promotion this season.
Parker’s concern is that he can’t just toss Bauress into a promotion battle and expect him to be a natural.
Although Shelvey does not have youth on his side, he has been there and done it all in the game, including winning the Championship, and Parker is no stranger to experienced heads, having signed Joe Worrall, John Egan, and Ashley Barnes this season, all of whom have previously been promoted.
| Jonjo Shelvey Championship stats (Transfermarkt) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 70 | 14 | 14 |
That experience in a dressing room near the conclusion of the season might be useful, especially coming from someone who understands what it takes to advance in the Championship promotion chase.
Although Shelvey has quality, Burnley fans may prefer to give Bauress a chance over signing the ex-Nottingham Forest player due to his lack of resale value.
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