Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie won awards on Sunday night.
Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has told the Shields Gazette that he thinks Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie have been ‘fantastic’ for the club, after both players won an award on Sunday night.
The Magpies endured a frustrating weekend, as after leading 2-0 at Bournemouth in what would have been a vital three points, Newcastle capitulated and could only draw 2-2 at the Vitality Stadium.
That result leaves Newcastle just two points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, and in need of big results to ensure they don’t slip back into the Championship.
However, Newcastle looked back on their last stint in the Championship last night, as the North East Football Writers’ Association Read awards took place in Durham.
Newcastle blitzed their way to promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, and two of the key players in that Championship title win were recognised last night.
Defender Jamaal Lascelles – who captained Newcastle to promotion – and wide man Matt Ritchie, were both handed the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year in a joint victory for the two players.
The pair have been important for Benitez again this season, and the Spaniard hailed both players when speaking to the Shields Gazette about the awards.
Benitez praised both players as being ‘fantastic’ and ‘very competitive’, suggesting that the duo are exactly what fans are looking for as they have the passion needed and always want to win.
“Both were key players (in the Championship) and are key players for us,” said Benitez. “They are the character of the team, the passion. They are both very competitive. I think it’s what you’re looking for as a fan. They care about the shirt, the team and they want to win. Both were fantastic for us,” he added.
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