Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has said he believes club captain Jamaal Lascelles has all the right attributes to become a star in his own right on Tyneside.
Shearer, a former Magpies captain for more than a decade himself, has been impressed with the young Englishman’s leadership qualities in the opening third of the new season.
Lascelles is the Premier League’s current youngest skipper, and has helped guide his Newcastle side to an impressive start to the new campaign as they currently sit 11th in the league after just as many games.
“I had not met Jamaal Lascelles before I interviewed him for this week’s Premier League Show but now I can see why Rafael Benitez made him Newcastle’s captain,” Shearer told BBC Sport.
“It is a job that I have been lucky enough to have done myself, so I understand the pressure and the responsibility that comes with the armband.
“Jamaal clearly does too. He sees being Newcastle skipper as an honour, just like I did, and he definitely has the kind of character you need to be the leader at my old club.”
Lascelles has pitched in with two goals already this season, both late winners to help secure the Magpies a total of six points, and has shown maturity far beyond his age to help Rafael Benitez’s side overcome a tough start upon their return to England’s top division.
“It is a lot to take on at any age but he deserves even more credit when you consider he is the youngest captain in the top flight.
“Jamaal turns 24 on Saturday and has only started 20 Premier League games but, from sitting down and talking to him, you would not think that he lacked any experience.”
