Newcastle United have been flying in the Premier League this season, sat seventh in the table after returning to the top-flight after a year in the Championship, and it’s raised the hopes for everyone at the club.
Rafael Benitez’ stock remains very high, the club are excited due to the takeover talks behind the scenes and many members of the squad may be dreaming about an international call-up, with fans believing that captain Jamaal Lascelles is more than capable.
The former Nottingham Forest man has been in exceptional form this season, scoring two goals and keeping four clean sheets in as many games, with some predicting he can push his way into the England set-up just like Michael Keane, then at Burnley, did last season.
Speaking to The Chronicle this week, Benitez stated he believes Lascelles has that potential but urged the 23-year-old defender to keep working hard and striving to improve.
“If I was him now I wouldn’t be worried about that too much. I would be more worried about improving every week and try to be a little bit better each week. After that, things can happen.”
“He has the potential, and he is a young English centre-back – there aren’t too many. He knows he has to improve. The way to do it is to train well and keep asking questions. He has to improve in every single exercise.”
England’s lack of top-class defensive options helps Lascelles in his push and he may be aided with his ambitions after next summer’s World Cup, where the likes of Chris Smalling could call time on their international careers.
