Jamaal Lascelles has been a key player for Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle United side this season.
Lascelles has worn the armband for Newcastle, and his leadership skills have come to the fore this season.
The 23-year-old may be young, but he has taken a great amount of responsibility on his shoulders at St. James’ Park this campaign.
Lascelles has also shown his quality on the field, and scored some crucial goals this term.
And Lee has praised Lascelles for leading by example so far this season.
The former Newcastle man said: “Lascelles has been fantastic. It’s taken him a while as well, as he wasn’t in the team at the start.
“I played for a lot of fantastic captains, and Newcastle need a leader so it’s imperative he comes and starts leading the club.”
Lascelles is still fighting for a place with Ciaran Clark and Florian Lejeune for a place in Newcastle’s team, so cannot afford for his performances to drop in standard.
Newcastle lost their last two matches before the international break, which has caused some concern.
The Magpies have coped well in the Premier League since returning to the top tier, but cannot afford to hit a slump.
Newcastle are next in action in two Saturdays’ time, when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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