Five things we have learned from Newcastle’s start to the season

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Jamaal Lascelles is a future England international

There has been a lot of hype around Jamaal Lascelles from a young age and it was a coup for Newcastle to sign him two summers ago. He was a fringe player under Steve McClaren, but he has made major strides under Rafa Benitez and is now the club captain at the tender age of 22. After struggling at the beginning of the season, Lascelles has grown into the role and has been one of the best centre backs in the league. It is clear that he is already too good for the Championship and will be more prepared to perform well in the Premier League next season if Newcastle do achieve promotion. He will benefit hugely from working under Rafa Benitez and he could be an outside bet for the England squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

Newcastle will attack the cup competitions under Benitez

In the past, supporters have grown frustrated with the club disrespecting the cup competitions, which isn’t surprising considering Newcastle haven’t lifted a major trophy since 1969. However, the policy on the cups has changed under Benitez and there is a real chance that the Spaniard could bring silverware to the North East during his tenure as Newcastle manager. Despite being a Championship team, they have qualified for the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup and have been given a winnable tie against Premier League strugglers Hull City. Benitez has built a squad that is well balanced and that allows him to rotate in the cups, but still field strong line-ups. They will be a force in every competition as long as the Spaniard remains at the club.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Chris Day