Newcastle Toons
Fansided

2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Jamaal Lascelles

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Newcastle United captain has become a hot commodity after another stellar season.

Jamaal Lascelles took another big step this season, his second serving as Newcastle United’s captain. He commanded a typically staunch back line and has attracted the interest of some of England’s biggest clubs.

2017-18 EPL stats: 33 appearances, three goals, nine clean sheets

Contract runs until: June 2023

Roy Emanuel

Injuries slowed his season down at times, but Jamaal Lascelles was simply the most important element to Newcastle United’s success in 2017-18. The captain led the back-line with excellent communication and superb positioning. At the other end of the pitch, the 24-year-old was a dangerous threat on set-pieces. With interest reported from several other Premier League sides, the Toon must do everything that they can to keep him at St. James’ Park.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Durim Halimi

Based on his performances this campaign, Jamaal Lascelles showed that he deserves the captain’s armband. Lascelles was a true coordinator in defense and his vocal leadership greatly contributed to Newcastle’s defensive stability. Like Jonjo Shelvey, Lascelles should be playing for England this summer as a result of the consistency he displayed in his 33 appearances. Lascelles is on track to become one of the best defenders in England.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Carson A. Merk

I don’t want to know where Newcastle United would be without Jamaal Lascelles. An extension of Rafa Benitez on the pitch, the Toon skipper demands effort and effectiveness from his teammates. Practicing what he preaches, Lascelles was a unanimous selection in our yearly awards for Player of the Year. Not only is he one of their best players currently, he is only 24 years old and will continue to grow. Hopefully, he will be doing that developing with Newcastle United, as some of the Premier League giants are lurking.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Declan Ryan

At only 24 years old, Lascelles has really stepped up to the plate as club captain and has returned Benitez’s trust with some fantastic performances this season. Unfortunately, that’s attracting the interest of other Premier League clubs. However, by guiding the Toon to 10th place in the Premier League, fans would never forgive Mike Ashley if he sold the ex-Forest man, and for good reason. Lascelles has easily been the best player for the Magpies this season.

As a defender, he has it all: good pace, excellent tackling, an unrivaled leaping and heading ability as well as the positioning to cover his teammates’ mistakes. Jamaal appeared in 33 of Newcastle’s 38 Premier League fixtures this season, and he will undoubtedly continue to improve as he gets more experience in the top flight. Lascelles should be the first name on the teamsheet next year and for many more after that.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter