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Newcastle United: Lascelles was an easy choice for Player of the Year

By Roy Emanuel

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on October 21, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 21: Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United arrives prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace at St. James Park on October 21, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s Player of the Year was announced this week, and few were surprised by the selection.

Newcastle United enjoyed a surprisingly positive 2017-18 season, as many expected manager Rafa Benitez’s side to struggle in the top flight. Battling against relegation eventually turned into a top-ten finish thanks to the collective effort of the team, and there is much praise for the captain as well.

Jamaal Lascelles was named as Newcastle’s Player of the Year, and it was a choice that was easy to make. The 24-year-old was a constant source of positivity, both through his outstanding play and excellent leadership.

Lascelles helped to keep the back-line sharp, while also adding three Premier League goals at the other end.

A remarkable element to this is how the centre-back looked to be slipping away from a starting role, as both Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark were playing well last summer (Jonjo Shelvey as skipper also).

But the former Nottingham Forest defender would not be denied, and his own determination was crucial in displaying his overall importance.

Related Story: Newcastle Toons announces NUFC 2017-18 player awards

Sometimes the mark of a true leader is witnessed when the individual is not present, and the Magpies line-up evidenced that idea throughout the 2017-18 campaign.

https://twitter.com/Lascelles16/status/999304678138630149

A better side with him

Injuries had their effect on Lascelles, and he missed a handful of games. The difference in the Toon’s performances from when he was out and when he was playing was startling.

Lascelles made his defensive team-mates better, but ultimately aided the midfield as well. Benitez’s team looked more organised and focused, and a large part of that was due to their captain.

In many ways, Lascelles is an extension of his manager, and can control aspects of their play out on the pitch. At some point, those same benefits should be making their way to the English national team.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez are preparing for another season together in 2018-19. If they are to improve upon their successes, Jamaal Lascelles will likely be the reason why they can.