A showing of leadership at a young age and early in his career, 'calling out' a group of more senior players following a defeat to Southampton in 2016, says a great deal about Lascelles character. It was this off the field leadership that saw him succeed Fabricio Coloccini as Captain of Newcastle United, qualities manager Rafa Benitez admired in the player. Not that it meant he had a right to be in the first eleven, indeed Rafa dropped his Captain soon after for a run of games after the player hit poor form. Early on under Benitez he would play in a back 4 as one of the centre halves. More grit and determination that class and style. Later he would be the linch pin in a three centre halves formation employed by the Spaniard, with ball playing centre halves either side of him. His industrial style probably was the reason his International career was limited too. He was certainly a leader however, often the loudest voice in a Newcastle team that needs it from time to time. His early career had seen him come through the ranks at Nottingham Forest. A failed QPR bid and an illegal approach from Everton both unsuccessful. Their loss was certainly Newcastle's gain. Lascelles played for all levels of England from U18 to U21 on a limited basis, playing 12 games in all.