Newcastle United are a different team with Lewis Hall.
That was evident on Saturday in Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City, with the youngster making his first Premier League start since September.
It was like he had never been away, as Lewis Hall put in a brilliant performance at left-back. The only thing that could stop him was cramp, with the 21-year-old forced off in the 77th minute.
By then, his work was done. Eddie Howe was thrilled with Hall’s performance, and he was even able to influence the game without touching the ball.
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In recent weeks, full-back has been a major problem for the Magpies. While Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier are great defenders, they do not have the legs to be a genuine attacking threat.
That changed on Saturday evening when Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento returned to the starting XI.
The former was even able to play a part in Newcastle United’s first goal, despite not actually touching the ball.
The goal came from Bruno Guimaraes and Harvey Barnes exchanging passes, but the space they were able to exploit came from Hall’s presence out wide.
With Hall pushing forward and hugging the touchline, Manchester City right-back Matheus Nunes was unable to tuck in tight with his fellow defenders. That gave Bruno and Barnes the space they needed, with the latter producing a beautiful finish to send St James’ Park wild.
Had Burn been playing at left-back, the space that Newcastle exploited might not have been there. It highlights how important Hall’s presence is, and why his return to fitness could be a turning point in the Magpies’ season.
Reminder: Paul Mitchell once thought that Newcastle United overspent on Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
It is clear why Newcastle United want a new full-back in January
With the January transfer window looming, Newcastle United want to strengthen at full-back.
That makes sense, especially after the win over Manchester City. The importance of energetic, forward-thinking full-backs was clear to see.
There is no doubting the importance of Burn and Trippier. Their experience is invaluable, but Howe certainly needs younger options that can add more depth to his Newcastle United squad.
It is left-back that should take precedence over right-back, as Hall does not have a direct understudy at St James’ Park. While Burn can play at left-back, centre-back is his preferred position. And while Livramento can also play at left-back, he is needed on the right.
With Matt Targett out on loan and Alex Murphy not quite at the required standard just yet, a new left-back must be on Ross Wilson’s transfer agenda at Newcastle United.
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