Newcastle have named Jamaal Lascelles as their new captain, and fans are seemingly very happy with the decision made by Rafael Benitez.
Jamaal Lascelles has been named the new captain of Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old wore the armband throughout the Magpies’ pre-season and will lead the team out on Friday as they begin their Championship campaign away to Fulham.
Lascelles was the outstanding candidate and many fans’ choice to take over from Fabricio Coloccini, who headed back to Argentina with San Lorenzo.
The former Nottingham Forest defender came into the side late last season, and despite a difficult first start against Bournemouth, Lascelles became a key player under Rafael Benitez in the closing games of the season.
Speaking to the club website, Lascelles said:”It’s an unbelievable feeling for a manager like Rafa Benitez to give me the captain’s armband at a club like this.”
The new captain signed for Newcastle in August 2014, along with his Forest teammate Karl Darlow, and immediately returned on loan to the City Ground.
Lascelles made his league debut for Newcastle as a substitute in a 6-1 defeat to Manchester City under Steve McClaren. In less than a year, the centre-back has emerged as a leader in the Newcastle camp, and despite his age, will hope to lead Newcastle back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Now a fan-favourite after his stand-out performances in Newcastle’s failed battle against relegation, fans have taken to Twitter to express their feelings about their new captain.
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