The Magpies club captain is the longest-serving player in the first-team squad
Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle club captain Jamaal Lascelles
It's been a frustrating year for Jamaal Lascelles as he recovered from ACL surgery
The Newcastle United club captain was able to return to the first-team squad towards the back end of last season, but has not been seen in competitive action since picking up a bad knee injury against West Ham in March 2024.
But if there was any doubt over the importance of his role behind the scenes, they were dispelled this week when new signing Anthony Elanga arrived at the club's Benton training base.
Newcastle have splashed £55m on the winger, with the Sweden international meeting his new team-mates for the first time on Tyneside this week.
The former Nottingham Forest man already has a close relationship with Alexander Isak from international camps, and is quickly forming a bond with Will Osula.
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However, Lascelles' role within the United dressing room is clear as shown in a behind-the-scenes video of Elanga's frist days at the club.
Eddie Howe's No 2 Jason Tindall was charged with introducing Elanga to his new team-mates, and getting his used to his new surroundings.
Showing Elanga around the club's state-of-the-art Benton training ground, Tindall introduced the new signing to several players, including Lascelles who was working on the bike equipment.
"Any problems, if you want anyone to sort something out out, go see this man," Tindall said of the club captain. "If anyone gives you any problems, just go see this, man."
Elanga replied: "Oh I already know. I already know." while giving Lascelles a warm hug.
Howe has often spoken after Lascelles' important role at the club, despite his lack of recent game time. United are looking for a new central defender this summer, with Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn already ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, there has been precious little talk of Lascelles leaving, with the 31-year-old an seen as a vital member of the squad.
On-field skipepr Bruno Guimaraes has cited Lascelles' influence and it appears Elanga has been left in no doubt who to turn to.