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Recent statements from Lascelles bode well for Newcastle United

By Durim Halimi

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) /
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Jamaal Lascelles has joined Newcastle United for pre-season training and the captain expressed optimism for the 2018-19 campaign.

Pre-season training has begun for Newcastle United as Rafa Benitez and his players have returned in preparation for the 2018-19 Premier League campaign. Several players seemed happy to be back, while some seemed anxious as a result of being linked to other clubs.

One of those happy faces was none other than the club’s captain and 2017-18 Player of the Year, Jamaal Lascelles. The 24-year-old defender is happy to be back with the club and seemed optimistic for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

After a tenth place finish last season, Newcastle will be determined to build on their impressive form. Due to his role in the club, Lascelles will be tasked with motivating his team-mates to perform with maximum effort.

In a recent interview for the Chronicle, Lascelles made the following statement:

"There’s not one player here that would try to just play here to try and get a move or for more or whatever. It’s not about that. We’re loyal. We’re a hard-working, young group of players, and it’s going to stay that way."

Rafalution Progressing?

Based on Lascelles’ comments from training camp, it is safe to assume that the Rafalution is working on Tyneside. One could say that the Rafalution has been progressing for two years now as the club earned promotion to the top flight and then finished in the top half of the table.

However, a better way to analyze the Rafalution is by looking at the mentality of the club’s players. If the rest of the team shares Lascelles’ mindset and dedication to taste success, then Newcastle should be in the running for another top ten finish.

From an individual perspective, Lascelles making these comments is a blessing for the Magpies. Several clubs were linked to the Newcastle skipper and some of these clubs were willing to splash big money in Newcastle’s direction for his services.

With his recent statements for the Chronicle, Lascelles did two things. Firstly, the young captain assured supporters that Newcastle will be hungry for points this season. Secondly, he made it clear that he wishes to establish a long-term career with Newcastle United.