Rafa has been full of praise for two of our defenders. Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett have been singled out for praise by the manager.
The pair’s ability to learn is something that the gaffer is really pleased with. Speaking to the Chronicle, the Magpies boss had this to say about the defensive duo:
“It does make me proud to see players like Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett, and you see they are improving. But that is because they learn.”
On Twitter, fans were also quick to compliment the pair’s contribution to the cause this season:
Inrafawetrust #nufc @rafabenitezweb
? black and white away days travel (@RuzMark) 20 March 2018
must be the name change to Paul Du-met
? chrisTopher (@uconn83) 20 March 2018
Paul Dummett to just edge Lascelles – what a rise in performance levels he`s had this season https://t.co/52xaj3Lb3r
? MatthewJM3 (@Matthew_JM3) 20 March 2018
Disgrace how lascelles Shelvey and dummett didn`t make the England squad like
? tejay barnes (@tejaybarnes) 20 March 2018
With Bertrand withdrawing from the squad it must be a certain that Lascelles gets called up #SaintsFC #nufc
? Kieran Walton (@kieranwalton3) 20 March 2018
‘WE’VE GOT LASCELLES, JAMAAAAAAL LASCELLES’#NUFC pic.twitter.com/JcqL1vZiOf
? NUFC Gallowgate (@NUFCgallowgate) 18 March 2018
Lascelles>Mawson/Tarkowski#nufc
? JA (@FunCrusher__) 21 March 2018
Won’t get the credit he deserves from anyone other than Toon fans but Jamaal Lascelles is now definitely England’s best CB and top 5 in the PL.
Big, strong, relatively fast, good both in the air and on the deck, positionally excellent, born leader.
The complete package. #NUFC
? TheMackemSlayer (@TheMackemSlayer) 11 March 2018
Verdict:
Both Lascelles and Dummett have had excellent seasons, and have really stepped up to the plate after promotion back to the Premier League.
When our no.3 was out injured with a hamstring problem earlier this season we really missed his experience and since his return, he has provided an assured presence at the back.
Jamaal meanwhile has gone from strength to strength since Rafa’s arrival at the club, and he has definitely repaid his manager’s faith since he took the captain’s armband at the start of last season.