Opinion: 100% dribbles, 85% passes: Howe must ensure Newcastle ace is a regular starter in 24/25 season
With goals from Bruno Guimaraes, Jacob Murphy, Alexander Isak, and Harvey Barnes, Eddie Howe’s squad won their 18th league game of the year.
Due to Chelsea’s 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, the Magpies were relegated to seventh place, although next season’s European football status is still up in the air.
In the event that Manchester United defeat Manchester City in next weekend’s FA Cup final, Erik ten Hag’s Newcastle will participate in the Europa Conference League, while Manchester United still have a shot at securing a berth in Europe.
But Howe’s squad has been outstanding as of late, which is particularly impressive given the club’s injury woes as of late; one player in particular has stepped up to prove that he deserves a starting role this coming season.
Brentford vs. Lewis Hall statistics
Lewis Hall, a left defender, started again in the last game of the 2023–24 season after scoring a fantastic goal in midweek against Old Trafford. He made the most of his chance and earned a 7/10 match rating from Chronicle Live writer Lee Ryder.
The 19-year-old started every minute of the match and was a major reason why his team beat Thomas Frank’s squad.
Hall was instrumental in the Magpies’ triumph in the capital, winning nine of thirteen ground duels and accumulating four tackles.
Despite his aggressive disposition, he was able to make a clearing and contribute with an intercept, proving his talent on both ends.
But his performance with the ball was out of this world. He finished with 34 passes for an 85% completion percentage, which was third-highest among Newcastle players in the win.
| Lewis Hall’s stats against Brentford | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Tally |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Passes completed | 34/40 (85%) |
| Dribbles completed | 3/3 (100%) |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Stats via Sofascore | |
The fullback caused Mads Roerslev a tonne of problems with his three dribbles completed, a success rate of 100%, demonstrating his ability to drive with the ball at his feet.
He’s had to wait his turn at St. James’ Park, but tonight was just one more reason the club should have paid £28 million to get him in the summer.
The reasons why Lewis Hall should start every game in 2024–25
Hall has solidified his position to start regularly for Howe at Tyneside next season after today’s impressive performance in London.
It would be difficult for the Magpies manager to overlook the 19-year-old Hall in 2024/25 given his skill and potential for improvement; the club has often used center-back Dan Burn in an awkward left-back position due to injury problems.
premier league, newcastle, lewis-hall, and dan burn
He has brought a new dimension to Howe’s team with his speed and brilliance down the left side, and he fits in well with the Magpies’ backline, as he proved tonight.
Despite making only eight starts in a challenging Premier League debut season for Newcastle, the defender has demonstrated his value in these limited appearances. With the upcoming season, he has a golden opportunity to secure his position as the starting left back.
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