Three young players Newcastle United must keep hold of this summer

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Jamaal Lascelles

Lascelles struggled to earn regular minutes when Steve McClaren was managing the Tyneside club, but Rafa Benitez seemed to inject something new into the young defender.

The 22-year-old showed strength and pace in a somewhat shaky Newcastle defence in the latter stages of the season and he will be expected to play a big role next season.

With Fabricio Colloccini moving back to Argentina, Benitez should see the young defender as a very important member of his squad.

Despite the fact that Moussa Sissoko was made captain towards the end of last season, the Frenchman is likely to move on this summer.

Many Newcastle fans may see this as an opportunity to appoint an English captain and the England U21 international has shown leadership qualities and may become an established Premier League centre-back in years to come.