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Two Newcastle stars named in Premier League ‘Pleasant surprise team of the season’

6 years ago
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Nice to see a couple of Newcastle stars getting recognition outside Tyneside.

When neutrals take notice then it definitely adds to what we see with our own eyes, reaffirming the level of performance of certain players this season.

A Premier League ‘Pleasant surprise team of the season’ has been put together and it includes two Newcastle stars.

The excellent Football 365 website have put together this ‘Pleasant surprise team’ and have given the reasons for the choices made.

These are the two Newcastle players they have included and the reasons why, with the full team below.

Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)

“He’s always been well regarded and his leadership qualities were being recognised even as Newcastle went down.

“But he’d only had ten Premier League starts before this season and I don’t think anyone quite expected this. 

“His overall play has been excellent, but even more remarkable has been his command of the back line.

“When he was out for a month around November, the defence collapsed. When he came back, the back four stabilised immediately. 

“I don’t think you’d call him a ball-playing defender but he marries old-school physical power with mobility and tactical awareness.

Newcastle’s undisputed player of the year.”

Mohamed Diame (Newcastle United)

“Here’s a guy whose top-flight career seemed to be, if not finished, then unlikely ever to thrive again.

“Although he was vital to the squad that won the Championship title, he started only three of Newcastle’s first 16 matches this season. But since then he’s been superb, forming a remarkable central midfield partnership with Jonjo Shelvey.

“He plays precise football, usually while sitting back but pressing effectively when required. He also has the best pass completion percentage in the squad.

“He’s 30 years old, so he may not be able to sustain this level for long, but all praise to him for a most unexpected revival. Shelvey deserves recognition here too.”

The Football 365 ‘Pleasant surprise team of the season’:

Nick Pope (Burnley)

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)

Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)

Mohamed Diame (Newcastle United)

Mo Salah (Liverpool)

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford)

Raheem Sterling (Man City)

Jesse Lingard (Man Utd)

Glenn Murray (Brighton)

To view the full excellent Football 365 article go here.

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