{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Given makes bizarre claim over Newcastle's stand out performer this season
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has stated that both Jamaal Lascelles and Aleksandar Mitrovic have been the club’s stand out performers this season.
The Magpies made a bright start to the season on their return to the top flight, hitting the heady heights of fourth, before an abysmal run of eight games without a win, extended on Wednesday through a home defeat to Everton, saw them slip down the table to sit just one point and two places above the relegation zone.
Despite their ongoing winless streak, Given says there have been a couple of men who have caught his eye during the current campaign, naming centre back and club captain Lascelles as the man who has been most impressive for the Magpies.
However he also bizarrely named Serbian striker Mitrovic as another star performer, despite the 23-year-old having been Rafael Benitez’s third choice striker this season, with six substitute appearances and not one league start under his belt.
When asked who the club’s stand out players were this season, Given told betting agency BetStars: “Jamaal Lascelles at the back has been very impressive.
“He is the captain and he is leading by example. He is a great defender, but he’s also grabbed a few goals.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
“He is definitely standing out, but also Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is a quality player.”
In stark comparison to Mitrovic’s fleeting appearances in the Premier League this season, which total just 88 minutes in total, Lascelles has been a regular for Benitez, with 12 appearances to his name, having missed out on five games as a result of injury.
In other Newcastle United news, this forgotten man has made a shocking transfer claim about the club.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Newcastle United breaking news.