Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles has been leading from the sidelines during his time on the sidelines.
The Magpies’ captain is set to return from injury against Leicester City at St James’s Park today (5.30pm kick-off) after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Tynesiders – beaten in five of their last six Premier League matches – have missed Lascelles’ presence and aerial ability.
Asked if his team had also missed Lascelles’ leadership, manager Rafa Benitez said: “Sometimes just to be around and to shout is a big thing for the others.
“But I cannot complain, because the others have worked so hard. You cannot make an excuse.”
Lascelles and club-mate Matt Ritchie are the joint-winners of the North East Football Writers’ Association’s player of the year award.
The pair were key figures in last season’s Championship-winning campaign.
“I think that both played really well for us,” said Benitez.
“It was a great season last season, and this year they’ve started really well.
“I’m not surprised you (football writers) have given them (that award).
“They represent the pride and the passion and the commitment that everybody is expecting from Newcastle players. They’re a good example of that.”