Newcastle are turning Lewis Hall into the player that he always dreamt of becoming – and it is thanks to Eddie Howe.
Hall was a surprise departure from Chelsea last summer after making some impressive cameos for the club before joining the Magpies on loan.
Certain clauses were met in that loan deal that has since made the move permanent for an overall fee of £35million – not an easy price tag for a 19-year-old to live up to.
But after a rocky start to life at St James’ Park, Hall is now proving why the Newcastle were happy to fork out a pretty penny for his services – and he has credited Howe with helping him improve.
Having been converted from a midfielder to a left-back, Hall admitted that his defending needed some fine-tuning.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the teenager said: “I think it was mainly the defensive part of my game [that needed to improve].
“Certain aspects of that I feel like… Obviously with my midfield traits, I’ve never had that level of coaching of being a full-back.
“So yeah, it was good to get that insight. Not just from the gaffer but from the rest of the coaching staff.
“It was good of them to work with me individually behind the scenes, as well as with the team.
“I am always learning as I’m training and watching the games and seeing what other players do.”
Hall was limited to sporadic cameos off the bench in the first half of the season, amounting to just 90 Premier League minutes before New Year’s Day before seven matches sitting in the dugout in a row.
Since then, though, the youngster has become a key player under Howe, who has had to deal with an injury crisis, while Hall has taken part in eight league matches in a row.
The Chelsea loanee has admitted it has been tough but is desperate to make a keen impression on his manager.
“I am not afraid to admit that when I first joined the club, I wasn’t necessarily the player I know I can be.
“I think I lacked in a few areas that the gaffer thought was quite important to have as a full-back.
“I spent a few months working behind the scenes, training with the lads and doing extras, trying to work on these things.
“I feel like I’ve been in a good position for quite a few months now. It is all about continuing to train well and catch the gaffer’s eye.”
Newcastle are next in action on Wednesday night when they face Manchester United at Old Trafford, live on talkSPORT.
News Summary:
- Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall reveals key area where Newcastle made him better
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