Jonjo Shelvey has become the “complete midfielder” because of his new “physicality”.
Steve Bruce says the Newcastle play-maker has added intensity and running power to his “natural gifts,” and helped the Geordies to a six game unbeaten streak in the league.
Bruce reckons Shelvey has bought into the role of bossing his team's possession play.
Shelvey has scored six in the league this season, the same number he managed in the past five seasons combined.
He is topping the club scoring charts, ahead of Miguel Almiron who is on four Premier League goals.
Bruce, whose side face Manchester City on Wednesday, said: “Jonjo understands what we are trying to do. As a footballer all the things that come naturally to him are the most difficult.
“What he has done is add to his natural ability. He has added a physicality to it, getting up and down the pitch. At the moment he is the complete midfield player.
“With the top players, that is what they can do. Jonjo more than anyone has gone to town on what he can do physically and we are reaping the benefits.”
Shelvey knuckled down during the lockdown break in football running twice a day with a relative, throwing in a weights session and swim into a disciplined daily route.
Shelvey has now set United the target of going the rest of the season unbeaten, despite facing a trip to the Etihad next.
He signed a contract extension last month, and said: “We should have had four wins since the restart and hopefully we can go unbeaten until the end of the season.
“We are all fighters and give our all for the club.
“Almiron is on four, but it doesn't matter who scores the goals we just want the points.
“I would love to play against Man City but it is up to the boss. They are a great team and they are unlucky Liverpool have been so unbelievable.”
Bruce is hoping for a breakthrough on Matty Longstaff's contract talks which were revived last week.
The youngster has a £35k a week offer from Udinese, and is out of contract when the season ends.
Bruce said: “Before we clear off we hope to have clarity on it. For me, the boy should play his football here. He will be involved on Wednesday against Man City. I hope we can get it over the line."
And Bruce says star winger Allan Saint Maximin will have to get used to being doubled up on by defenders.
“People will now be wary of Saint-Maximin. He is a threat. If you leave him one on one he can punish you. He will get that. Sometimes there are three on his, against Bournemouth he went past them all. He will have to get used to that.
“Man City next, a nice easy one. It is the ultimate challenge to keep the run going.”
