Report: Howe impressed by Lascelles’ attitude after being dropped

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When Eddie Howe dropped Jamaal Lascelles from the Newcastle starting XI at the start of the year, it looked like the writing was on the wall.

A new defender arrived, and suddenly results improved. Dan Burn made his debut on February 13th against Aston Villa and immediately impressed. Fabian Schar and Burn became Howe’s preferred centre-back duo, leaving the captain on the bench.

Others donned the armband, while speculation began to mount that Lascelles could leave St James’ Park this summer. There was even tentative talk of an emotional return to Nottingham Forest.

However, that is not happening.

Lascelles dropped but still impressing

According to the Athletic, Howe has been impressed with how Lascelles has reacted to being dropped. They add that he still retains the respect of the dressing room.

That’s excellent news, and proves why Howe is keeping him as captain. The Toon boss recently told the press that the 28-year-old will not be leaving, nor will he replace him as captain.

It’s a testament to Lascelles that he is still able to effectively run the dressing room despite not being a guaranteed starter. He is still held in high regard by his teammates, and so he should be.

He’s led this club through a difficult period and deserves respect. Sadly, he receives a lot of criticism from some fans.

The takeover and Howe’s arrival at Newcastle has inspired change, and a lot of players have stepped up. Lascelles should fall into that category, even if he isn’t playing.

The defender is clearly doing something right if he is still the captain and being kept at the club despite slipping down the pecking order. He’s even further away from the starting XI now after Sven Botman signed for the Magpies.

Lascelles has impressed Howe in a situation where he very easily could have folded. But he has stood up and is retaining the captaincy, in a team that suddenly has a lot of leaders.