Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles made his 100th appearance for Newcastle against West Brom last week but unfortunately, we lost that game, and it broke a four-game winning streak at home.
Almost every one of those 100 appearances have come while Rafa Benitez has been the manager at the club and he hardly played when Steve McClaren was manager.
By the end of the relegation season Jamaal was a regular for Rafa, and in that summer he made him the Newcastle captain even though he was only 22 years old.
But Jamaal has character and leadership – two things Rafa was looking for in what could be Newcastle’s long-term captain.
Jamaal Lascelles – in action against West Brom
Rafa has congratulated Jamaal on the achievement and thinks he can become a better player as he gains more experience.
This is what Rafa has said in the Chronicle:
“It is a great achievement for any young player.” “He is a great character and he is learning and improving.”
“So 100 games is a good number.” “Hopefully, he can be here for 500 games!” “And I hope he can improve every year.”
“At that time we needed to find somebody who could be close to the fans.”
“We needed someone to show some character and leadership.” “I think he’s delivered.”
“Yes, he is still a young captain but he’s still learning and doing really well.”
It does seem that Rafa has real trust in his captain to ensure things are done currently during games as well as in the training sessions.
Jamaal has been tipped for an England cap because of his exceptional play and leadership this season, and it seems that Chelsea will lodge a bid for him this summer.
We expect Rafa to turn down that bid and keep his captain on Tyneside.
Comments welcome.
8 comments so far
Ron Knee
May 3, 2018 at 2:06 PM
Comment #1Slimani still in training – for what exactly?
Jib
May 3, 2018 at 2:11 PM
Comment #2Ron
What do you expect him to do.
Go to Cullercoats and hang out in the Arcades ?
JP...from The Rock
May 3, 2018 at 2:13 PM
Comment #3Slimani should be rushed back to his parent club and let them take care of the twat! The way some of these so calles ‘professionals’ ‘earn’ their money really pisses me off!! He should be fined by the club and sent packing for his stupid actions!
Ron Knee
May 3, 2018 at 2:13 PM
Comment #4Jib
So he’s there to spread peace and harmony among the team?
Mag52
May 3, 2018 at 2:14 PM
Comment #5Wonderful evening for the bin dipper fans yesterday. They are back in the big time and loving it.
That could be us with the right owner. Dream, dream dream dream…….
lochinvar
May 3, 2018 at 2:20 PM
Comment #6Newcastle United supporter and retired policeman Ian Wilson has collected more than half a million football match programmes – and he has shown the BBC some of his favourites.
Best quote was along the lines that his collection included some Sunderland programmes but he thought that they were locked up in the dark.
Seems appropriate.
lochinvar
May 3, 2018 at 2:25 PM
Comment #7Just wonder if Charnley had had the foresight to sign Slimani on a pay as you play deal.
Seems unlikely and the money saved could have been used to better effect such as future transfers
nufc 11
May 3, 2018 at 4:28 PM
Comment #8I wonder do NUFC have 1st refusal to buy Kevin Mbabu back from Young Boys. Apparently he is been on fire this season developing into a top notch RB and will be heading to the WC with the Swiss. Always thought letting him go was a mistake he had shown far more promise than Dummett ever did and that was been played out of position at LB.