Having earned their stripes at Nottingham Forest, Karl Darlow and Jamaal Lascelles will soon continue their journey up the footballing ladder at Newcastle next season. We assess their game and how they will be sorely missed at the City Ground.
The highly-rated Englishmen were the clubs two prized assets, two that manager Stuart Pearce was desperate to keep ahold of, but Newcastle’s £7million offer was too good to turn down from a financial standpoint – something Pearce has no control over. He was more than capable of reinvesting the sizeable funds generated, with the shrewd acquisitions of Britt Assombalonga and Antonio, but failed to fill the long-term void that will be left when Darlow and Lascelles depart for the North East.
A fan favourite somewhat, Darlow’s Premier League roots heralded bright beginnings and who better to receive football tuition from than now-departed grandfather, Ken Leek, World Cup heritage coursing through the ‘keepers veins. This justified despite mixed reviews from supporters this 2014/15 season, tipped to deservedly represent England by critics and a move to St James’ Park could certainly bolster his personal campaign. Foremost, fierce competition –from Tim Krul no less – lies ahead despite the 24-year-old’s return as was The Reds’ wishes, the spell that Darlow would have hoped to prove beneficial (via furthering first team affairs) has seen him cop negative appraisal. This however is most likely a result of predominant ignorance, concerns of the first choice goalie’s commitments lying elsewhere amassing, having already put pen to paper over a long-term contract with Newcastle. It cannot be denied that his potential, utilizing his limbs to demonstrate admirable shot-stopping ability, apathetic even of efforts beyond his 6 ft 1in physique despite a questionable weight on goal kicks. Dorus de Vries has large boots to fill.
Jamaal Lascelles on the other hand provides one of multiple connections with his teammate, seemingly not plagued by harsh scrutiny, an excellent prospect for The Toon, particularly long term for this slip of a lad. This inexperience can alternatively develop as opportunities for exploitation. Upholding possession – inevitably invaluable at the back – and unsurprising pace is most definitely compatible with Forest’s youthful forwards, keen to impose himself upon his reverse numbers. Moreover, wise beyond his years to perform composed short balls, feeding to an acquired midfield who can be relied upon to do what they do best. It is additionally acclaimed that his aerial ability is something to rival a prowess in sliding tackles, opposition unable to get even a stones throw away from the centre-backs towering clearances – strength and accuracy. Is Pardew aware of quite what talents he has abandoned?
