Quantcast
Blogs

Williamson: Lascelles has it all

|
Image for Williamson: Lascelles has it all

Mike Williamson has claimed that Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles is the only player who can be classed as undroppable.

The former Magpies’ enforcer singled out the current captain as a player who has all the attributes available to him.

Williamson believes that the 25-year-old is someone who can help drag his teammates through a tough patch due to his experience at St James’ Park.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Williamson also claimed that the current Newcastle squad has the best defensive depth he has ever seen.

“You’ve got Jamaal who was there when I was there,” he said when asked who was undroppable.

“Physically, technically and tactically, he’s got all the attributes, and he captains the side.”

“So in terms of important players, I suppose you would naturally look at him because he’s worn the armband and he’s a good character that can drag players through.”

OPINION

There isn’t much that Lascelles hasn’t experienced during his time at Newcastle. Not many players stick around once their club is relegated from the Premier League, but the 25-year-old did just that and captained his side to the Championship title and promotion at the first time of asking. Since then, he has gone from strength-to-strength in the heart of the Magpies’ defence under Rafael Benitez and Bruce. Williamson is right to suggest that the captain is certainly undroppable for Newcastle, with his presence vital in their side as they look for Premier League survival. So far this season, Lascelles has been superb, starting every game in the middle of a back five. The defender has averaged 5.7 clearances per game according to WhoScored – the most in the entire squad, as he has been integral to their defensive solidarity this season. There are nine other sides in the Premier League who have conceded more goals this season, and it would be the Magpies’ attack who would shoulder the blame should they eventually get relegated, not their battling defence.

Share this article