Jamaal Lascelles has been one of Newcastle United’s stand-out performers as captain this season.
Lascelles, 23, has starred for Newcastle this season and has even been suggested to earn an England call-up sooner rather than later, as he continues to impress with the captain’s armband.
The former Nottingham Forest star has been a rock at the back, helping Newcastle keep three clean sheets and concede just 10 Premier League goals in their 11 outings so far, as well as scoring twice against Swansea and Stoke City.
Speaking to Newcastle legend Shearer, the commanding centre-back admitted he missed a training session as he and Benitez consulted in the office, and spoke of the tips Benitez has given him to become a leader on and off the pitch.
“Yeah, yesterday I didn’t really train because we had been in the office all session,” Lascelles said, when Shearer asked if he was treated any differently.
“He will tell me to act a certain way, or make sure the boys stay positive and keep the dressing room going. Even if I do something wrong or a bit too harsh on somebody, he’ll say ‘listen, you can’t do that to him because of his character'”.
“He’s taught me how to speak people. Some people might need a pat on the back, some people I can have a go at.”
Lascelles missed out on the England squad this time around, as Gareth Southgate opted to pick the likes of John Stones, Michael Keane, Harry Maguire, Gary Cahill and Phil Jones.
The Toon are next in action on November 18 after the international break, as they travel to Old Trafford to face a difficult test against Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
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