5 players from promoted teams who have been in fine form

1. Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)

Jamaal Lascelles celebrates after scoring the match-winner against Stoke City

23-year-old Jamaal Lascelles is the youngest captain in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez opted to give the then 22-year-old the armband at the start of last season while plotting an instant return to the Premier League. It was a show of faith by the Spaniard in the youngster, who was still unproven and lacked much experience but impressed Benitez with his attitude.

Lascelles justified his manager’s faith in him as he led the side to Championship win (which included him playing through the pain barrier in the last four months of the campaign).

The player has continued to lead by example in the Premier League, and his performances don’t show that it’s his first ever campaign in the top flight. He has ensured solidity at the back, and also scored the match-winners in the games against Swansea and Stoke City. His efforts to ensure unity and team spirit along with zest to excel in the squad have also been appreciated by the manager and other players.

Benitez has worked with many elite players in his coaching career, and recognises the talent that his young captain has:

“Jamaal, when we talk about a centre-back, an English centre-back, a young centre-back, a captain of the team and still very young, you’re talking about a player who has the potential. I think he’s learning about his job, on the pitch and off the pitch, so he has the potential. He can become much better because he’s keen to learn. He wants to improve”