Newcastle skipper Jamaal Lascelles proved to be the unlikely hero for the second time running at the weekend, with his bullet header against Stoke City proving the difference, just as it did against Swansea on matchday 4.
The 23-year-old centre-back scored thrice in 43 Championship games last term, but is only a strike away from equalling that record, and could prove to be an occasional goal outlet for Newcastle this term.
Lascelles has been equally outstanding at the back just as he has been menacing in front of the opponents’ goal.
The Englishman has averaged 7 defensive actions per game so far, retained possession extremely well having completed 80% of his total attempted passes.
With Newcastle planning on surviving the topflight in style this term, Lascelles can play an integral role having demonstrated his ability to, and it’s why manager Rafa Benitez is keen to quickly tie him down with a contract extension.
Of his goalscoring threats, the skipper believes he owes them to the perfect deliveries of Matt Ritchie.
He said post-match of the 2-1 Stoke City victory: “Matt Ritchie’s deliveries are unbelievable – I feel like I can get a few goals this season with his crosses, and especially when teams are marking zonally as well.”
Having let the cat out of the bag, it remains to be seen if teams will set out in a way to mark by covering an area during set-pieces or decide to man-mark specific opponents, so as to nullify his threat going forward.
