Redknapp selects Newcastle star in team of the week but raves about his teammate

Picking his Premier League team of the week, Jamie Redknapp has gone for an obvious selection from the Newcastle side that beat Swansea 1-0.

Writing in The Mail, the former Liverpool and Spurs player has selected Jamaal Lascelles alongside the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, David de Gea and Harry Kane.

Having stopped a certain goal with a clearance off the line and then getting the winner, the NUFC captain is an easy choice.

Jamie Redknapp Team of the week:

David de Gea (Man Utd)

Kurt Zouma (Stoke City)

James Tarkowski (Burnley)

Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle)

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City)

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)

Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City)

Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)

Pascal Gross (Brighton)

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Stoke)

However, when speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Redknapp was very impressed with another Newcastle player.

Redknapp says that despite his embarrassing dive, Mikel Merino was ‘very good’ and ran the Newcastle midfield – ‘very comfortable on the ball’.

We are now getting the first real inklings of wider recognition for the 21 year old Spaniard who has instantly impressed Newcastle fans.

I just hope that loan deal with permanent move possibility is totally secure from the Newcastle end of things, as he looks a real star in the making.

Jamie Redknapp talking to Sky Sports:

“If you look at the Newcastle midfield, Mikel Merino – apart from his Tom Daley impression – I thought he was very good.

“Very comfortable on the ball.

“Joselu was always a danger and they controlled the game for large spells.

“Very good on the counter-attack and the goal is a big moment.”

Stats from BBC Sport:

Swansea 0 Newcastle 1

Goals:

Newcastle: Lascelles 76

Possession was Swansea 62% Newcastle 38%

Total shots were  Swansea 10 Newcastle 16

Shots on target were Swansea  4 Newcastle 8

Corners were  Swansea 7 Newcastle 5

Referee: Mike Jones

Newcastle United:

Elliot, Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Gamez, Ritchie, Hayden (Diame 69), Merino, Murphy (Atsu 59), Perez, Joselu (Gayle 78)

Unused Subs:

Woodman, Shelvey, Yedlin, Lejeune

Crowd: 20,872 (2,000 Newcastle)

(Read instant NUFC fan/writer reaction after final whistle HERE)

(Read Alan Shearer’s reaction to the Newcastle win HERE)

(Give us your Newcastle player ratings v Swansea HERE)

(Credit to Swansea boss Paul Clement for this post-match reaction HERE)

(Steve Claridge says Newcastle ‘Nicked it’)