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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Jamaal Lascelles

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on November 3, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle United gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on November 3, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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The Newcastle United skipper did not meet expectations this season.

Remember when clubs like Spurs and Chelsea were rumored to be interested in signing Jamaal Lascelles? Well, we haven’t heard much of that during the season or since the season has ended. After establishing himself as a reliable leader on the back line in 2016-17 and 17-18, Lascelles struggled with consistency in 2018-19. We break down the captain’s campaign.

2018-19 Premier League stats: 32 appearances, one assist, 104 headed clearances, two errors leading to goals, 92/138 in aerial duels, 

Durim Halimi

Jamaal Lascelles has raised mixed opinions this seasons, but in my eyes the team captain experienced a drop in form. Lascelles’ form was up and down all season, and he made some poor decisions on the back-line. This was the first season where I have seen Lascelles make unnecessary, overly aggressive tackles on the sidelines, lose the player he was marking in the penalty area on multiple occasions and he was not as vocal as he was last term.

That being said, he did pick up a few knocks this season and the frustration of missing some matches could have impacted his overall form. Despite some of the negative observations I highlighted here, it is important to note that Lascelles was still reliable in most matches with quick reactions and a tackle success rating of 66%, but maybe it is time to see Fabian Schar take over as team captain.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Starter (not surefire, though)

Next. NUFC rumor rundown. dark

Carson A. Merk

I could argue that Lascelles was the worst defender for Newcastle United in more than a few matches this season. I’m not sure if it was largely injuries or confidence that hampered the center back’s year, but he was rarely the player we saw in the 2017-18 season. Not only did he make mistakes at the back, but he was also poor at finishing his headed chances from set pieces.

For 2019-20, I would, of course, give him every opportunity to be the first choice center back. But, if he does not regain his form of 2016 or 2017, I think the starting central defense pairing needs to be Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez. Being a great leader is one thing, but you have to perform on the pitch. The next season will be a massive one for Lascelles.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Quality Rotation Player