OPINION
When Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles was handed the captain’s armband by manager Rafael Benitez, it was a real show of trust in the centre back despite both his young age and lack of game time for the Magpies.
The English powerhouse was the youngest captain in the Premier League last season as he led his side to a 10th places finish alongside boss Benitez, and has established himself as a firm favourite among the Toon Army.
However, injuries this season have seen him sidelined for recent games and it has been long-serving, homegrown star Paul Dummett who has taken his place as the club’s leader, pulling off two successive victories since taking the armband.
Unfortunately for Newcastle the Welsh international appears to have joined his teammate in the treatment room, leaving Benitez with something of a headache as to who gets the role.
Now, the obvious candidate would be winger Matt Ritchie, whose never-say-die attitude and commitment to the cause sets him up as a natural option to take on the responsibility – but it appears the Scottish international is not willing to commit.
The Chronicle state that Ritchie has in fact rejected Benitez’s calls for him to take the armband in order to focus on his own performances, naming Martin Dubravka, Federico Fernandez and Ki Seung-yung as the other options for the Spaniard.
All three have their merits but are any really in a position to take on as important a role?
Of the trio, Fernandez, who is an experienced Premier League stalwart and a first choice in the Newcastle side, might well have the advantage over the others but take nothing away from the fact this is a serious headache for Benitez.