In a season of ups and downs—mainly downs—for Newcastle United, one thing has been constant. That is, their defence has been consistently useless.

In recent weeks, this trend seems to have been somewhat reversed. Only three goals have been conceded by the Magpies in the last four games. Undoubtedly, this is partially down to the introduction of Rafa Benitez who, unlike Steve McClaren, appears to understand what a defence in a game of football should do.

However, a lot of credit should be given to 22-year-old Jamaal Lascelles. The former Nottingham Forest man has been an unsung hero for the past few weeks, and in the game against Crystal Palace on Saturday he finally got some of the credit he deserved.

Whilst Andros Townsend will get the plaudits for his stunning free-kick (rightly so) and Karl Darlow will too get the limelight following his penalty save from former crowd favourite Yohan Cabaye, Lascelles’ contribution was noted by both fans and pundits alike.

His early tackle on ex-Sunderland man Connor Wickham saved what would’ve been an almost certain goal: a goal that had the potential to crush the fragile sense of confidence currently hanging around St James’ Park. An interception later on in the first half also stopped another dangerous one-on-one situation from developing.

Aside from these two stand-out moments, Lascelles was solid and and dependable throughout the game—certainly more so than the far more experienced Steven Taylor has been in recent weeks. He was quick, powerful and made good use of the ball—a thoroughly excellent centre-half performance.

The question on many United fans’ lips, though, is where has he been all season? Under McClaren, Newcastle generally turned to Taylor when either Fabricio Coloccini or Chancel Mbemba was injured, yet in recent weeks Lascelles has proved himself to be a far more capable footballer than the stalwart Geordie.

Lascelles has not only been impressive on the pitch, however. After the recent 3-1 loss to Southampton he was notably the only player to come and speak to the press. In an interview with the Newcastle Chronicle, the player hit out at his team mates and called for ‘bigger characters.’

For a young player to come out and say this whilst the senior members of the side stayed quiet is admirable. Certainly, it has helped to endear him to the Toon Army. Furthermore, his yelling of instructions and his riling up of the crowd on Saturday did not go unnoticed.

Lascelles’ emergence is one of the few bright spots of this truly dreadful season. With a little luck, maybe he can help lead Newcastle away from the trapdoor that is relegation.