‘Probably’: Newcastle star now gives verdict on ‘world-class’ PSG player ahead of CL clash

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Newcastle are set to face a number of household names in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, but the squad are seemingly unfazed by the prospect of facing some top-class players.

International stars such as Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembele will likely start at St James’ Park, and there is, of course, the daunting prospect of playing against Kylian Mbappe.

Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles has now claimed that the Newcastle squad are purely focused on their own game, rather than the names who could appear, but has also admitted that Mbappe is arguably the best player in the world right now.

Lascelles not afraid of Mbappe

Speaking to Chronicle Live, the 29-year-old emphasised the need for Newcastle to not get caught up in the occasion too much.

“We are looking to stick to the game plan and win the game. That’s all we care about. We don’t care about names and stuff like that,” Lascelles claimed.

When asked if he would swap shirts with the World Cup winner, the defender admitted he would.

“If he asks me? “Yeah, when we get to the tunnel but on the pitch it’s just business.

“Kylian Mbappe is probably the best player in the world. We just need to be professional and that’s what we are. It’s just about getting the job done.”

Superstars at St James’ Park

Newcastle are hosting a team at St James’ Park in the Champions League for the first time in two decades, but it is a stadium that has wowed plenty of superstars in the past.

Patrick Kluivert was so impressed by the atmosphere at Newcastle during his Barcelona days that he went on to join the Magpies later on in his career, and whilst it will be another occasion where some of the world’s best players appear, the main focus will be on Eddie Howe’s side.

Mbappe has been described as “world-class” by France manager Didier Deschamps, and is perhaps unlike any player Newcastle have recently encountered in the Premier League, with his combination of sheer speed, technical excellence and deadly finishing ability making him one of the best around at the age of just 24.

Lascelles is seemingly confident that the team can get the job done in what is an important tie in the group, and a win would go a long way to securing a place in the knockouts.