Gary Neville heaped praise on Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles and shared he thought the player was someone Magpies supporters could believe in.
The former Manchester United player shared that he had seen Lascelles play against Manchester United this season and revealed he thought the centre-back was absolutely incredible because he threw himself at everything.
Neville added that with Magpies fans always wanting to see passion from a player, they should look no further than Lascelles as he wears the shirt with pride and passion.
“I always feel he is the leader in the back five, the one who sets the example,” said Neville on Sky Sports Premier League (19:45, Friday April 12th).
“I remember doing a game up there at Christmas time against Manchester United and I thought he was absolutely incredible, throws himself at everything.
“When you think of Newcastle’s fans they always want that passion, the leader, someone to believe in, and for me he is the one on the pitch who wears the shirt with pride and passion.”
OPINION
The 25-year-old defender has had a mixed 2018/19 campaign as at times, he hasn’t looked like being the club’s number one centre-back. Last season Lascelles arguably looked the most reliable option for Benitez to call upon but after some woeful displays earlier the season, there was question marks about him. However the Magpies centre-back has looked back to his best in recent weeks and perhaps a downturn in form has helped him learn about himself in the process. It’s often said you learn more from your mistakes than your triumphs and that may be the case with Lascelles. Hopefully the Magpies defender is able to keep up his form until the end of the season, as the club aren’t completely safe from getting relegated as it stands. While Rafa Benitez’s side are closing in on securing their Premier League status for another season, they can’t count their chickens before they’ve hatched.
