‘So pleased’- Eddie Howe praises Newcastle United hero who ‘stepped-up’ in Champions League win v PSG

Jamaal Lascelles and Newcastle United savored a historic 4-1 triumph over Paris Saint-Germain at St James’ Park, as the captain drove the team to victory.

Newcastle’s first Champions League home encounter in over 20 years was memorable, with goals from Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff, and Fabian Schar helping the hosts to a commanding victory.

For Lascelles, it signified a remarkable journey from playing in the Championship against Burton Albion and Rotherham United to leading The Magpies on the largest platform in club football.

 

But the centre-back’s time on the field has been limited since Eddie Howe took over as manager. While continuing to play an essential role behind the scenes, the skipper receded into the background.
On Wednesday night, he grabbed center stage once more, winning his third game in a row since his return to the lineup.

It was a suitable reward for the defender, who earned his leadership at Newcastle at the age of 22 by sticking up for the team and keeping more senior players accountable during a relegation season in 2016.

And Howe couldn’t hide his excitement at Lascelles’ almost lyrical return to the spotlight.

 

 

“I’m so pleased for Jamaal,” he said. “I said countless times last season how good his attitude was, how well he trained, and how good he was for the group.”

“Ultimately, he was desperate to show how good he was on the pitch and the biggest compliment I can pay him is that he’s stepped in and stepped up to the challenge and performed really, really well in the last few games.”

Newcastle have made considerable progress while Lascelles has primarily remained on the bench. However, the 29-year-old has never let Howe down and has quietly improved his game behind the scenes.

 

“He has had to train so well to keep developing his game when he wasn’t playing,” explained Howe. “My inner belief was that even if he wasn’t in the starting 11, he would improve with the team.”

“His game is in a really good place and he proved that [against PSG] it was a real testament to his attitude and his character.”