Former NUFC man Steve Howey has delivered some harsh words towards Jamaal Lascelles – labelling the skipper our third best centre-back and a player who wouldn’t get in his best starting 11.
Howey believes that injuries and inconsistent form under Steve Bruce has caused the 27-year-old’s stock to fall massively – feeling that Fernandez and Schar should be picked ahead of Lascelles.
Here’s what he’s had to say about the captain and our current defensive options:
“I mean, I like Lascelles. I think he’s a decent player,”
“Again, it’s like all players, you kind of struggle with form and I think, obviously, with injuries as well with him – I totally understand that.
“I like Fernandez, Schar for me is a good player as well. Paul Dummett’s decent in there, Ciaran Clark’s done really well in there as well.
“It’s probably going to upset a few people but I’d probably say Fernandez and Schar are the strongest two.”
On the contrary, Howey did acknowledge the importance of Lascelles’ leadership qualities; and therefore the impact he can have on the team overall.
“I mean, I thought Lejeune was decent and obviously he left. I think the leadership qualities, though, that you do get off Lascelles helps the team, so, it is a difficult one.
“I think on a football-base, I would go with Schar and Fernandez but, obviously, you’re missing them leadership qualities that Lascelles brings.”
It’s certainly a controversial take, but it may not be as unpopular as I think amongst NUFC fans. Lascelles has clearly regressed under Bruce and is no longer on the verge of an England call-up or being linked with big money moves away.
However, I definitely feel more likely to keep a team out if Lascelles is in the side over Fabian Schar. The Swiss star might be more comfortable on the ball and easier on the eye, but he’s a defensive liability at times and was absolutely terrible during project restart.
Do you think Lascelles is only our third best central defender? Let us know in the comments below!
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UNITED
GILLESPIE
MANQUILLO FERNANDEZ DUMMETT LEWIS
SAINT-MAXIMIN S.LONGSTAFF HAYDEN ALMIRON
MURPHY
WILSON
SUBS:JOELINTON-CARROLL-FRASER-SCHAR-M.LONGSTAFF :
peter taylor(Quote)
I agree, I think Lascelles is a modern day Steven Taylor.
Decent but we have better, Backs off too much for me. ❓
Tony(Quote)
They all play better as a back 3 Rafa and games under Bruce when using a back 3 have proven that results are gained, stick to a back 3 Bruce or we will be fighting more than Covid/Corruption this season in the league
Thumper(Quote)
I’ve been saying this for ages to everyone. Yes he might be big strong, good leader but his football ability is shocking. It’s plain to see. He makes you nervous every time anyone passes the ball to him. Which I think that’s why our midfield players don’t attack much cos I think they know their captain behind is not good on the ball.
David Box(Quote)
dont rate lewis whatsoever got nothing about him gives it away to often and most of his play is backwards
william snaith(Quote)