After bursting on to the scene at just 16, Jonjo Shelvey became Charlton Athletic’s youngest ever player.
The Romford-born midfielder quickly earned a reputation as one of the brightest talents in English football. So Liverpool appeared to have secured a coup when they signed the young play-maker for just £1.7m back in 2010.
Shelvey is fondly remembered by Reds fans for mouthing off at Sir Alex Ferguson but not much else.
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After playing a bit part role during his three-year stint at Anfield he was sold to Swansea City in 2013 for £5million (BBC), after Brendan Rodgers deemed him surplus to requirements.
It was a bold move at the time considering Shelvey was only 21 and had shown glimpses of ability at the club.
Six years on and Liverpool’s decision to offload Shelvey has been proved right. Now 27, it is safe to say he has not lived up to his potential. A move to this weekend’s opponents Newcastle United followed his stint at Swansea, where he eventually fell out of favour.
The career of Shelvey has been plagued by inconsistent performances and disciplinary issues.
On his day he can remind you of why Liverpool signed him all those years ago. With a beautiful range of passing he can really influence a game. Sadly, his day comes too few and far between to allow him to reach the heights he may have.
Shelvey should be received well by the Liverpool fans on his Anfield return. And he will perhaps be contemplating what could have been on Merseyside.