Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles believes their youth will drive them to new heights: 'We're so young we can beat anyone'

  • Jamaal Lascelles believes Newcastle's youthfulness gives them an advantage
  • Lascelles, the youngest captain in the league, has scored two in two for the Toon
  • Rafa Benitez also has the youngest squad in the top flight and are up to fourth
  • The average age of Newcastle's starting XI in the win against Stoke was just 25
  • The captain insists they won't get too excited but the young squad are on the up

Jamaal Lascelles is the youngest captain in the Premier League and speaks with a maturity belying his 23 years. He is playing like a leader, too.

Two weekends in a row, two winning goals. Newcastle - the youngest squad in the top flight - are up to fourth and those fractious days of summer feel like a distant memory.

Rafael Benitez has called a ceasefire in his war with owner Mike Ashley and all is well among his black-and-white battalion.

 Jamaal Lascelles believes Newcastle are capable of beating anyone with their young squad

 Jamaal Lascelles believes Newcastle are capable of beating anyone with their young squad

The starting XI's average age against Stoke was under 25, not that Lascelles believes such inexperience is a weakness.


'We've got such a young team, it gives us a big advantage in terms of our energy, which really counts when we play against teams a bit older,' said the centre back.

His winning header was laid on by Matt Ritchie, the team's oldest outfield player at 28. The winger had also created Christian Atsu's opener before Xherdan Shaqiri equalised.

The Newcastle captain, who is the youngest in the league, has headed in twice in two games

The Newcastle captain, who is the youngest in the league, has headed in twice in two games

Rafa Benitez has the youngest squad in the league with the average age on Saturday under 25 

Rafa Benitez has the youngest squad in the league with the average age on Saturday under 25 

And Lascelles believes that gives them an edge and insists they are definitely on the up

And Lascelles believes that gives them an edge and insists they are definitely on the up

Ritchie walks by as Lascelles reflects on their third win on the spin. 'Our average age is about 25 - it's only Matt Ritchie who spoils it!,' added the skipper.

'We can really get about the pitch. That is what is really pushing us at the minute.'

Benitez has also built a fairly likeable group - gone are those who see the club as a detour to the top four.

'We have got big characters and a good mentality, no big-time players,' said Lascelles.

'Everybody has to work 110 per cent and if they don't they will be sat on the bench. Overall, collectively, we don't want to get too carried away, but we're definitely on the up.'

Newcastle spent around £40million on six new players during the summer, but Benitez wanted closer to £70m.

Lascelles, though, says the squad have ignored the off-field politics.

It's all smiles for Rafa now and he has called a ceasefire in his war with owner Mike Ashley

It's all smiles for Rafa now and he has called a ceasefire in his war with owner Mike Ashley

'Of course people want you to sign players for £25m and bring in big names, but we're working with what we've got,' he said.

'Having the success of last season has given us momentum, but as players we know we're good enough to give anyone a good run on the day, especially if we keep playing like this.

'We won't get carried away or complacent, we'll just keep working hard and stay humble and keep our heads down.'

There had been talk of Benitez appointing a new captain to lead the side back into the Premier League. Did Lascelles ever have any doubts about his role?

'I don't get why he wouldn't (keep me as captain),' he replied. 'We got promoted, we came first, why would he take the armband off me?'

Indeed, on the evidence of this season, there is no reason at all.