This campaign, he has faced criticism from several of his fans.
Newcastle United has failed to duplicate their outstanding performance from previous season, when the team qualified for the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
Eddie Howe’s squad has dropped to tenth place in the Premier League, 16 points behind the top four, due to a combination of injuries and bad form among his players.
Sven Botman and Nick Pope’s injuries, as well as Miguel Almiron and Kieran Trippier’s poor form, have all contributed to Newcastle’s low league position.
Squad depth has been a major issue for Howe, with the club failing to cover the gaps left by injured players, with youngster Lewis Miley benefiting from an unexpected run of games in England’s top flight.
However, one man who has been fit for the majority of the season should be cruelly dropped this weekend at home against West Ham United, with one youngster more than deserving of a place in the starting eleven.
Lewis Hall’s stats for England U20s
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After being called up to the England U20 squad for the recent international break, Newcastle defender Lewis Hall has finally been given the opportunity to show what he is capable of following his lack of minutes this season at St James’ Park.
The 19-year-old joined the Magpies on loan with the option to buy for £28 million, but he has only played 104 minutes in the Premier League since then.
However, he has played twice for his country during this break, providing two assists off the bench in a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic earlier this week.
#NUFC's Lewis Hall grabbed himself 2 assists off the bench yesterday for England's U20 squad.
With reports of Eddie Howe being impressed with his improvements in recent weeks, hopefully we start to see him more involved on the pitch soon🔜
his assists🧵 pic.twitter.com/SzNXAA4Rkk
— TomTalksToon (@TomTalksToon) March 27, 2024
The 5’10” sensation hooked up with Magpies teammate Miley before suffering a back condition that will keep him out for up to six weeks as Howe deals with yet another setback.
Hall must be unhappy given his good record with England’s U20 team, as the left-back has seen little game time in recent weeks, with Tino Livramento and Dan Burn ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Hall’s performances must give Howe a headache, as he demonstrates his talent when given the opportunity to express himself.
Why Hall must replace Burn on Saturday
Burn, who has been labelled a “liability” by former Arsenal player and analyst Adrian Clarke, has had a dismal season, with opposing teams exploiting his lack of speed.
Undoubtedly, the 6’7″ full-back is superior defensively, but Hall provides a fantastic attacking threat down the left side, with his abilities potentially adding a new dimension to the Magpies’ system.
The data shows that Hall can contribute more going forward than Burn, with his energetic and offensive playstyle more suited to Howe’s style of play.
The “assured” 19-year-old, as defined by journalist Fentou Tahiru, has not been given a fair chance since arriving at St James’ Park, despite Burns’ persistent struggles.
Howe must start him against West Ham, with the teenager well deserving of a chance following his superb international performance over the break.
