Eddie Howe ‘can’t speak highly enough’ of Jamaal Lascelles for how the Newcastle United captain has carried himself, even while he was out of the side, via quotes by Chronicle Live.
Lascelles was a mainstay for the Toon in the Premier League when available this term until they hosted Aston Villa. The centre-back fell ill ahead of Steven Gerrard’s side traveling to Tyneside last month, marking only his second absence in 11 top-flight games under Howe.
But his absence also opened a door for January transfer Dan Burn to start and impress. The Magpies stretching their unbeaten run to nine games also warranted Howe opting against recalling Lascelles. But a tweak in system away to Chelsea finally let the 28-year-old return.
Lascelles was unable to help stop Newcastle’s unbeaten run coming to an end at Stamford Bridge. Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game in the 89th-minute, after a rare lapse in concentration from Burn let the German in and show immaculate ball control to fire home.
Eddie Howe ‘can’t speak highly enough’ of Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles will hope to make just his fourth Premier League appearance since January when Howe’s Newcastle visit Everton on Thursday. He spent three of United’s four fixtures from facing Aston Villa to Chelsea as an unused sub, while playing seven minutes at Brentford.
Yet despite his sudden reserve status, Lascelles impressed Howe with how he has acted off the pitch. With the centre-half showing his leadership credentials even whilst not playing.
“His attitude has been spot on,” Howe said. “He is obviously our captain and he has led like one, even though he wants to play every game. It’s the mark of a leader is in difficult moments and I can’t speak highly enough of him. It was only illness that took him out.”
Lascelles had started all but one of Howe’s top-flight fixtures as Newcastle manager before illness kept him from facing Aston Villa. The defender also missed a 1-1 draw with Norwich City on November 30 after accumulating five yellow cards. He has not been booked since.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
