EDDIE Howe says Lewis Hall is reaping the rewards of his unseen work behind the scenes in his difficult first season at Newcastle United - and believes the Magpies are now starting to see the best of the former Chelsea left-back.
Hall joined Newcastle on an initial loan move in the summer of 2023 but endured a testing start to life on Tyneside, making only one league start and playing just 81 minutes of action before Christmas last year.
Throughout those frustrating months, however, Hall was impressing coaches with his willingness to learn and adapt on Newcastle's training pitch and he started to benefit in the final weeks of last term.
His loan move was made permanent in the summer and it's now a very different story for the 20-year-old, who has featured in all six of Newcastle's Premier League games so far and enjoyed his best performance in black and white against Manchester City at the weekend.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Eddie Howe's 'unusual' squad admission & Newcastle selection plans for Wimbledon
- Exciting Newcastle United knock-on effect of Anthony Gordon's new contract
- Eddie Howe confirms striker 'possibility' & outlines Alexander Isak injury situation
"He's done really well, I've been really pleased with Lewis," said Howe.
"There's always a process. I can understands supporters and media sometimes want instant results - someone you sign you want to instantly see on the pitch. But it's our job to make the right decision for the player and team.
"Sometimes that means you take the player away, do a lot of work with them and try to get certain aspects of their game to the level you feel is required.
"It's similar with Will Osula, there's a lot of work going on every single day with him but most importantly you have to have the raw ingredients and the right player to develop.
"Lewis was excellent last season behind the scenes, his attitude to his work was very good. No doubt he'll have had frustrating days and disappointing weeks but he's reaping the benefits now. His game is in a really good place.
"I would argue that was his best performance for us [against Man City] since he arrived at the club.
"He looked composed with the ball, made some very good decisions and defended really well against world class players. He navigated some situations really well.
"I'm very pleased with him, but it just goes to show there's no substitute for hard work and coaching, I'm a big believer in that."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here