LASCELLES HAILS TOONS’ YOUNG GUNS
JAMAAL LASCELLES is the youngest captain in the Premier League and speaks with a maturity belying his 23 years. He is playing like a leader too.
Two weekends in a row, two winning goals. Newcastle — with the youngest squad in the top flight — are up to fourth and those fractious days in the summer feel like a distant memory.
Rafa Benitez has called a ceasefire in his war with owner Mike Ashley and all is well among his black-andwhite battalion. The starting XI’s average age against Stoke was under 25, not that Lascelles believes such inexperience is a weakness.
‘We’ve got such a young team, it gives us an advantage in terms of our energy,’ said the centre back. His goal was laid on by Matt Ritchie, the side’s oldest outfield player at 28.
‘Our average age is about 25 — it’s only Ritchie who spoils it!,’ added the skipper. ‘We have got big characters and a good mentality. We don’t want to get too carried away, but we’re definitely on the up.’
Newcastle spent around £40million during the summer, but Benitez wanted closer to £70m. Lascelles, though, says the squad have ignored the off-field politics.
‘Of course people want big names, but we’re working with what we’ve got,’ he said. ‘As players we know we’re good enough to give anyone a run if we keep playing like this.’
There had been talk of Benitez appointing a new captain to lead the side back into the Premier League. Did Lascelles ever have any doubts about his role?
‘I don’t get why he wouldn’t (keep me as captain),’ he replied. ‘We got promoted, we came first, why would he take the armband off me?’