Eddie Howe’s decision to overlook Lewis Hall at Newcastle United in recent weeks has been criticised by supporters – but former Toon left back Olivier Bernard believes it’s the right call.
There have been suggestions that Hall was dropped for poor defending against Bournemouth last month and the England international has started both of Newcastle United’s last two games on the bench.
Dan Burn, often criticised for his performances at left-back, has been used in Hall’s place and the defender scored against Brighton.
Given the fact that Hall has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season, the decision to drop him so ruthlessly has sparked a lot of debate online.
Still, Bernard – who played for Newcastle in two spells between 2000 and 2007 – believes Howe is onto something.
Bernard suggests Burn is a better defender than Hall
Speaking to BBC Radio Tyne and Wear, the Frenchman said: “I would like to see Dan Burn play at left-back and I’m not saying he is a left-back, but I think in terms of security, Dan Burn is a better choice.
“Now, if you’re losing 1-0 or 2-0 then yeah Lewis Hall would be a better match.”
It, frankly, is incredible to think that Hall now isn’t part of what Howe considers the Newcastle team most likely to claim a result.
During the brief times in which things have been going well during this campaign, Hall has been at the centre of it.
That’s not to suggest that he is perfect. Hall has not always covered himself in defensive glory this season, though that is also true of Burn and every other Newcastle player.
Wherever one stands on the debate, it’s clear that Hall has been dealt a blow in his attempts to start for England at the World Cup this summer.
Losing his place at club level – when he’s not yet a regular for the Three Lions – will not do his chances any good at all.
Burn did little to warrant being dropped for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest aside from not being Hall himself, so it would seem unlikely that Howe will be making changes.