Newcastle United have one of the youngster squads in the Premier League.
Newcastle have one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, with Rafael Benitez largely relying on youngsters.
However Ritchie, at 28, has become the old man of the Magpies’ starting line-up.
And Lascelles has joked that the Scottish winger’s age ruins Newcastle’s team.
He said: “Only Matt Ritchie spoils it.
“We’ve got such a young team and I think it gives us a big advantage in terms of energy – that counts when we play against teams a little bit older. We can really get about the pitch and get down in people’s boots.
“Our inexperience is a strength. The energy is there but we do have our own experience.”
Newcastle begun their Premier League campaign in worrying form, after losing their opening two matches.
However, the Magpies have been much improved in recent weeks and have started to climb the table.
Newcastle have now picked up maximum points in their last three fixtures, and currently sit in fourth place in the Premier League table.
Newcastle’s latest victory came against Stoke City, with Lascelles scoring the winner with a powerful header.
Benitez’s side are next in action on Sunday, when they take on fellow newly promoted side Brighton & Hove Albion, who have struggled to adapt to playing at the top level so far.
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