‘He has really stepped up’… Eddie Howe thinks 30-year-old Newcastle player has improved so much lately

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Newcastle United have enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign, and that is with Jamaal Lascelles being a regular starter.

No one expected that to happen at the start of the campaign, with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman picking up where they left off last season. On top of that, there was talk of Newcastle signing a new centre-back.

But that did not happen in the summer transfer window, while Newcastle’s defensive options have been limited since mid-September.

Sven Botman has not played for the Magpies since the 8-0 win over Sheffield United due to injury, and it is still not clear when he will return.

However, it has not mattered too much, with Jamaal Lascelles coming into the side and playing brilliantly. For a long time, he has been a backup player at St James’ Park. While he has retained the captaincy, Eddie Howe has opted against using him in the starting lineup.

But he has had to lean on the skipper since September, and Lascelles has not disappointed. He has been absolutely outstanding since his return to the side, producing dominant displays during famous wins over Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.

Lascelles is arguably playing the best football of his Newcastle career, while he scored his first goal of the season during the 4-1 win over Chelsea last weekend.

The 30-year-old is in fine form, and Eddie Howe is really pleased with how much Lascelles has ‘stepped up’ following Botman’s knee injury.

Eddie Howe is really pleased with Jamaal Lascelles’ recent form

Ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, Howe spoke to TNT Sports. He praised Jamaal Lascelles for his recent efforts after getting back into the Toon starting XI.

“Jamaal has done really well,” he said.

“Last year he was brilliant for us behind the scenes, really led the group so well in every aspect, putting the arm around the shoulder of a player who maybe needed that encouragement and that lift. Very vocal on the training pitch and authoritative in what he demands from people.

“This year he has had a chance to play due to Sven’s injury and he has really stepped up and produced some very consistent performances. I have been really pleased with his defending qualities, aerially he is very good for us, scored a massive goal last week, and he continues to improve.”

Newcastle captain is playing out of his skin

It is so good to see Lascelles playing so well. He is the latest player to be revitalised by Howe, and it is particularly exciting to see him blossom once again after everything he has been through on Tyneside.

He was the club’s leader during some dark days, and he continues to lead Newcastle United into a much brighter future. He deserves this opportunity after everything he has been through.

But Lascelles is in the team on merit at the moment. He deserves to be in the starting XI based on how well he is playing. Sure, it would be great to have Botman back but Lascelles is ensuring we are not missing him too much.

The captain led the team off the pitch last season, and now he is getting the chance to do it on the pitch. It is wonderful to see him get this opportunity and seize it with both hands.