Jamaal Lascelles has spoken about being made Newcastle United captain during the pre-season means to him, reports The Shields Gazette.
The 22 year-old is hoping that his and the team’s performances will lead Rafa Benitez to appoint him to the role on a full-time basis.
He is well aware of the downside. The role brings responibility:
“I’d love to take it on the responsibility. Obviously, it would be a massive weight on my shoulders, but there’s no reason why I can’t deal with it.”
We may get the clearest indicator of Rafa’s thinking towards the centre of defence. It seems at the moment as if Lascelles and Hanley will be the first pairing to be tried out. If he makes Lascelles captain, he is the one whom Benitez will look to in the future.
It’s not a one-way street and nor is he going to throw his toys out of his pram if he Benitez chooses someone else:
“I’m really proud to wear it. Whoever he decides to pick at the start of the season, it’s totally fine, and I’ll back him up.”
More than anything, that attitude marks Lascelles out as a captain. A willingness to put his own desires secondary to those of the teams is a sign of the leadership and maturity we need.
