Jamaal Lascelles has vowed to fight for his first-team future at Newcastle - because he is stronger and fitter than ever.
The centre-back lost his place in Toon boss Eddie Howe’s first XI at the end of last season as Dan Burn and Fabian Schar excelled in a run of 12 wins in 18 games.
Dutch U21 international Sven Botman has been added to the squad for £35m this summer, meaning competition is more intense than ever in defence at St James' Park - although Howe has made his feelings clear after he decided to give Lascelles the club captain's armband for the 2022-23 season.
He was given the role as a raw 22-year-old joining from Nottingham Forest, the promoted club Newcastle face on the opening day of the season on Saturday. Lascelles is determined to play a big part in Howe’s Saudi revolution at St James’ Park having led the club through plenty of tough times in the last seven years.
He said: “I'm a better captain and person than I was this time last year. The gaffer has turned all our lives upside down. Everything is different – new owners, manager and players, the feel around the place – even the football we are playing. Everything is very positive.”
Asked about keeping the captaincy, Lascelles hit back: “I didn’t know it was a question! I didn’t know it was being spoken about, but I’m overwhelmed.” And asked about being written off after the new defensive signings, the former England U21 star said: “I didn’t know that was the case! Sometimes Cristiano Ronaldo is on the bench. It’s not just me, and writing me off, it’s about remaining professional and giving the manager something to think about.
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"Being captain but out of the team was new to me last season because I’ve always played here. But the manager was fantastic in his communication with me. We’ve also created a leadership group.
"For years, from a 22 year old captain, I was having to do a lot, probably too much. Maybe it was too much to take on but now I’ve got a great team around me, Matt Ritchie for years – he was my right-hand man, Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn.”
Lascelles says Newcastle’s pre-season has been the most intense since he arrived in 2015. He added: “Not just physically but mentally too. Doing it every single day is tough. But it’s definitely the way to be. It’s down to us to get the job done now.”
Lascelles says the competition in the united squad is healthy. Analysing new team-mate Botman he said: “He’s a great guy. He’s very mature for his age and is clearly a great player. We’ve gelled pretty well.”
Howe and his side will now have to live up to the positivity they have created since mid-January, and show of ambition in the transfer market. Lascelles said: “Fans can definitely dream. In past years there have been frustrations from the fans and players. We’ve had our ups and downs but now we are all in a really good place."
