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Premier League: Lascelles showing his true worth as Magpies finally make a fist of their relegation scrap

Edward Stratmann turns the spotlight on a Newcastle defender who seems to be reaping the benefit of manager Rafa Benitez's defensive brilliance

Premier League: Lascelles showing his true worth as Magpies finally make a fist of their relegation scrap

Since making his first Premier League start on the 23rd of January 2016 against Watford in Newcastle United's 2-1 defeat, a game in which he memorably scored, Jamaal Lascelles has been steadily improving and finding his feet at the top level.

Back in December, former Newcastle assistant manager, Steve Stone, questioned if he had the required quality, claiming he looked out of his depth in the top flight. "He'll definitely take time. What he is at the minute is someone who needs to learn the game at Premier League level," he said.

"It's totally different to the Championship let me tell you. He needs to fit into structures, not just his own game."

Stone went on to add that he did, however, believe Lascelles did possess the potential to one day make it, saying: "He's got the presence and the attributes. It's about transferring that to the highest level.

"He needs to understand what Premier League centre forwards do. They're a totally different level to what he's used to."

Although the tough, no-nonsense centre-back has undoubtedly endured some tough times playing within this struggling Newcastle outfit, his resilience and perseverance to improve his game has seen him develop into not just a strong contributor, but also a real leader out on the pitch.

The former Nottingham Forest lynchpin's form has been particularly excellent in the last month, since the defensively brilliant manager Rafa Benitez has taken over, as he's put in a string of tremendous showings. Arguably the most impressive aspect of his game that has endeared him so emphatically to the fans is that he's a fighter. A man who's wholly committed to the cause and always gives his all.

In a campaign where there's been constant criticism levelled at the Magpies for their lack of dedication and effort, Lascelles certainly can't be found guilty of this, for he always gives his all.

Following his side's disappointing 3-1 defeat to Southampton a couple of weeks ago, a clearly frustrated Lascelles launched a scathing attack on his teammates' lack of application. "On paper our team is ridiculous but we need to show more heart," he insisted to BBC Newcastle. "We need players who care and will look after each other, we've lacked it.

"We've got flair players, tricky players, players with loads of talent but we need more heart, desire and bigger characters on the pitch. No matter how good you are, if you don't have that fight and hunger it doesn't matter."

Jamaal Lascelles is benefiting from Rafa Benitez's tactical skills
Jamaal Lascelles is benefiting from Rafa Benitez's tactical skills

"We had Steve McClaren, a great manager, we've now got Rafa Benitez, a great manager; it's clearly not that, it's the players. There are no excuses."

Without question, the 22-year-old's words have had an impact, with Newcastle producing two hugely positive results and performances in their last two matches - a 3-0 win over Swansea and a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.

Unsurprisingly Lascelles has been brilliant in both matches, exhibiting plenty of heart and spirit as his unwavering enthusiasm and desire to lift and rally the troops has set a terrific example for his colleagues to follow.

The 22-year-old was especially excellent against Manuel Pellegrini's gifted City side, as he dealt wonderfully well with whatever the away side threw at him. He dealt well with the majestic Sergio Aguero and the dynamism of Kevin De Bruyne, while also showcasing his ever improving positional sense, in a match where he kept the spacing between he and his central defensive partner, Chancel Mbemba, at just the right distance for the most part.

In situations when the left sided central defender was required to jet across and cover for his left-back, Paul Dummett, Lascelles' covering speed and anticipation allowed him to do so expertly. Importantly, Jack Colback, from his holding midfield position, would be alert when Lascelles had to leave his post and would duly cover the central space that his teammate had just vacated. This sort of collective cohesion in the defensive side of the game was fantastic to see and served as a fine testament to Benitez's tactical acuity.

The effect of Benitez's expert knowledge is clearly helping, with his capacity to organise the defence and get everyone pulling together now finally shining through. “The organisation and communication throughout the team now is so much better than it has been, and that’s vital," explained Lascelles.

Aside from the odd lapse, Lascelles' clarity in his decision making provided another reason for positivity. He made well thought out judgements on when to step out and apply a challenge or when to hold his position. This, in combination with his aforementioned positioning, allowed him to make a slew of vital interceptions to stop many of the Sky Blues' attacking forays dead in their tracks.

The uncompromising Lascelles gave a fascinating insight into his approach towards dealing with Aguero when speaking to The Mag after the match. "It is Sergio Aguero, but he’s just a man, and I’m a man. Obviously he’s more experienced, but if we stick to our jobs, listen to what the gaffer says and give our all, he’s still just a human being and he can’t just do what he wants," he explained.

He then went on to add how pleased he was with the team's effort and how they showed a real sense of togetherness out on the pitch, commenting: "It was a great effort from the lads. Obviously on paper, people would have had Manchester City down to beat us, so it just goes to show that if you have that fight and passion, you can do what you want on the day, and I’m really pleased for the boys."

“Ultimately, for me as a defender, I’m really impressed with the way everyone was defending. Not just the back four – the midfielders were getting back and tracking runners, and that’s what we need.”

The fact he mentioned communication was especially appropriate, for the imposing defender was forever shouting and gesturing at his colleagues as to where they should be positioned and who to mark. For such an inexperienced player, this would've been hugely heartening for Benitez to see him take the initiative and show such tangible leadership.

“I just try and do my best for the team, really. I just keep trying my hardest and that’s all I can do – just do my bit for the team," he told Newcastle's official website.

“More so, I like to communicate to others and boss people about, because I think that’s what we’ve lacked and that’s what we’ve needed.

“So I’m there to boss people about, make sure everyone’s doing their jobs and keep on at everybody, and I think it’s working.”

All things considered, Lascelles' tremendous body of work yet again demonstrated that he can indeed cope with and even excel against some of Europe's finest attackers. Although he's still got plenty of improvement in him, at just 22, it's important to note how well he's set-up to deal with the rigours of English football. He's got the athleticism, the physicality and the all-important mental fortitude to thrive, he just needs some refining of the more subtle aspects of defending.

With Newcastle facing a colossal clash against Liverpool at Anfield, you can guarantee the authoritative, hard nosed stopper will do be doing everything in his power to help his team achieve a positive result in their quest for survival.

Newcastle fans can always rest assured Lascelles will always give 100% every time he steps out onto the pitch. And that's certainly more than they can say about so many of his teammates.