Every Newcastle United player had every right to walk off that St James’ Park pitch last night beaming with pride but Jamaal Lascelles probably felt it more than most.
Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles is back in the starting XI due to an injury to Sven Botman and he has been simply sensational since his return to the fold.
There are many Newcastle fans who couldn’t believe Eddie Howe opted to keep the 29-year-old around, and even more who were surprised that Lascelles wanted to stick around knowing full well how limited his chances would be.
Lascelles made Mbappe look average last night
However it was clearly a smart move on both counts as Newcastle failed to bring in centre-back reinforcements this summer and now with Sven Botman injured, Lascelles is getting his opportunity to shine.
And shine he has. Last night he faced off against one of the best players in the world in Kylian Mbappe and you’d have thought he was up against a Sunday League player. Mbappe never had a sniff.
Lascelles put out some mind-blowing stats (via Sofascore) throughout the game too, winning all three aerial duels and putting up a 100% completion rate for tackling. He also managed an 86% success rate in all duels which considering he was up against Mbappe and Moussa Dembele is astounding.
I’m not going to lie, I was amongst the Lascelles Out brigade, I have said it many times that I don’t think he’s good enough for the level Newcastle are at now and are aspiring to be at.
Jamaal Lascelles always does the job when called upon for Newcastle
I am man enough to admit when I’m wrong, however. I still think he’s probably peaked, but there’s no doubt in my mind that Lascelles still has plenty to offer this season.
Jamaal Lascelles is another example of a player who has gone up levels since Eddie Howe came in, and although he rarely plays when the squad is fit, when he is called upon he never lets the side down.
Oh captain, my captain!
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