Jamaal Lascelles rewarded for Toon heroics with new contract
Posted on October 10th, 2017 | No Comments |
The solid centre back has been superb for the Toon in recent seasons and has become club skipper under the watchful eye of Spanish manager and former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss, Rafael Benitez.
Lascelles was handed the captain’s armband during last season by the experienced Spanish tactician and his performances have improved ever since, becoming a strong leader in the heart of his side’s rearguard in both the Championship and Premier League in recent months.
The now 23-year-old was recently rewarded for his heroics and efforts on the pitch with a bumper new contract at St James’ Park, as he was handed a massive new six-year deal from the club.
Lascelles will now remain part of the Magpies until 2023 after putting pen to paper on his newest deal, having become a star player under the guidance of Benitez.
Newcastle have begun the current campaign strongly, rallying into the top half of the Premier League table and look more than capable of avoiding an instant drop down divisions since being promoted from the second tier last season.
The Magpies’ fine start to proceedings has seen them jump to odds-on 1/10 in the football betting with bet365 to avoid being relegated this term, having climbed into ninth position in the top-flight standings after an interesting few weeks.
Lascelles is set to be a key component in attempting to achieve that feat throughout this current campaign, with the central defender becoming a mainstay of their back line.
The Toon captain arrived on Tyneside from Nottingham Forest back in 2014 and has since gone on to appear for the club over 75 times in black and white during all competitions, including scoring seven goals so far as well.
Speaking of his new career deal, Lascelles stated: “I am really over the moon. Ever since I arrived at Newcastle, I’ve been very happy; I love the city, the football and the fans.”
The defender has quickly established himself as a fan favourite and is delighted about this latest contract move, while he also outlined his happiness at “being tied down for the coming six years”.
Lascelles says he is part of a highly ambitious squad and his boss Benitez is also obviously delighted to have secured his services for the near future too.
The Spaniard was glad his choice to hand the armband to Lascelles has paid, claiming his new skipper has “risen to the challenge” and “developed as a player” since becoming the captain.
There is a rich history of famous stars to have donned the captain’s armband for Newcastle United, with many going on to become club legends. Lascelles will be aiming to become the next in that list, after earning himself a well deserved new contract at St James’ Park.
NUFCBlog Author: Frankly Various
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