There was a time when Jonjo Shelvey appeared a big part of the problem at Newcastle United but these days he seems very much the solution.

Rafael Benítez had barely succeeded Steve McClaren as manager at St James’ Park last spring before he dropped the midfielder from the team. Despite Newcastle’s fall into the Championship Shelvey then began this season warming the bench and, when liberated from it, persistently attempting too many “Hollywood passes” and over-ambitious long-range shots.

Over the last few weeks, though, things have changed radically. Endless hours of painstaking training ground work with Benítez have taught a 24-year-old who claims to have grown up to apply a precious, game-changing talent properly. And with Newcastle having risen to the top of the Championship, Benítez has even dropped heavy hints that Gareth Southgate should give serious consideration to adding to Shelvey’s six England caps.

If he is unlikely to supplant the technically assured Vurnon Anita as his club manager’s favourite player, Shelvey has become that rarity in a Benítez squad: a player who does not find himself subjected to regular rotation.

Strutting through games with accuracy and aplomb, not to mention unusual mental courage, Shelvey has been dictating play from an anchor role in Newcastle’s 4-2-3-1 formation. Crucially he finally appears to have acquired the knack of knowing precisely when to unleash those devastating, defence-splitting passes over 40 to 60 yards.

In a football world crammed with neat and tidy midfielders specialising in the low-risk short and sideways ball, Shelvey’s vision, technique and raking passing range set him apart. The difference now is that the familiar swagger is underpinned by a substance sorely lacking in the wake of his £12m, £80,000-a-week switch from Swansea to McClaren’s Newcastle last January.

“We have other players who can play that position,” said Benítez. “But Jonjo’s playing every game. He’s technically good and, when he plays well, the team plays better. In Jonjo we have a player who has it in him to deliver the final pass. He can control games.”

And England? “When he’s playing as he is now, why not,” added the former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid manager. “There were never any doubts about Jonjo’s ability but he’s playing at a really good level now. That’s very clear. I’m very happy with him.”

This harmony did not prevent moments of creative tension between coach and midfielder as Benítez questioned Shelvey’s passing decisions during Saturday’s 3-1 win against Brentford, in which Shelvey helped to create all of Newcastle’s goals. Such constructive criticism appears to be bringing out the best in the former Charlton and Liverpool player.

“I’m not the same person I was before,” said Shelvey. “Rafa’s helped me understand myself. He’s a very good manager. I’ve grown so much at Newcastle.”

Shelvey has also contracted, shedding well over a stone in weight, as well as a “childish mind-set” after hiring a personal trainer during the close season. “My mentality’s better because I feel better physically,” he said.

The resultant metamorphosis may have come too late to save McClaren’s job on Tyneside but it does not surprise Ian Holloway, who took Shelvey on loan from Liverpool to Blackpool in 2011 and quickly detected his potential. “Jonjo’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen play in the Championship,” Holloway said after watching Newcastle beat Brentford. “He can get it off the centre-halves, dictate play and go beyond into the final third. He never looks to play the simple ball, he’s always looking to hurt you. He’s like a puppet; he’s always moving his head. He’s so aware of everything around him.”

Described as faultless by Roy Hodgson when the then England coach gave him his debut, Shelvey – who started 31 games during three years at Anfield having been signed by Benítez (who left soon afterwards) as Steven Gerrard’s heir apparent – has enjoyed purple patches before. The difference this time is that his bravery and ability are now reinforced, and sometimes rationed, by Benítez’s instilled discipline.

“I’ve always been confident – you have to be when you’ve got alopecia and a bald head,” said a man who has emerged as a vocal leader, on and off the field. “But I feel much more confident and fearless now.

“I think the Championship is helping me and helping Newcastle. “There’s a buzz in the city, the fans are back onside – we’re getting 52,000 at home games – and there’s a lot of love for the club. It’s exciting.”

Southgate could do far worse than take a close look at a player capable of switching the lights back on for England.