Lewis Hall opens up on Newcastle role and advice from England legend

Lewis Hall is quickly establishing himself as one of the most important players in our squad, with his performances for Newcastle United now earning him regular recognition at international level.

The 22-year-old has opened up on his development, explaining why left-back is the position that best suits his qualities, while also revealing the influence of former England defender Ashley Cole and current Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

For us, there is an important point in Hall’s comments: he is not simply becoming a better defender, but developing into the kind of modern full-back our team needs.

Hall explains why left-back is his best position

Hall came through Chelsea’s academy having played in both midfield and defence, and his technical ability has always suggested he could operate in a number of positions.

However, he believes left-back is where he can get the most out of his game, particularly with the way we use our full-backs at Newcastle.

“A lot of my game has been developed at left-back but I think I could play in midfield if I needed to…but as a career, I feel I have more ability at left-back just with the way we play at Newcastle United as it really suits my game with full-backs being involved.

“I feel I get loads of the ball in good areas and last season I worked on the defensive side of my game which is really important to me now. I like to get forward as well so when I’m getting the ball regularly, building from the back and getting the ball into the final third, I like to do that as well and create chances.”

That is particularly encouraging from a Newcastle perspective. Hall is comfortable receiving possession, progressing the ball and getting involved in our attacking play, but he also recognises that improving defensively is essential if he wants to reach the next level.

At just 22, he already looks increasingly complete in the position. His ability to carry the ball forward and create opportunities gives us another dimension down the left, while his defensive development is helping him become a more reliable all-round option.

Ashley Cole’s advice and Tuchel’s early belief

Hall also discussed the influence of Ashley Cole, who worked with him towards the end of his time at Chelsea and has continued to offer advice since.

Considering Cole’s achievements as one of England’s most accomplished left-backs, it is clear why Hall values that relationship.

“He helped me a lot when I played towards the end of my spell at Chelsea. He gave me a lot of advice and he tries to help me out now. Especially with how good of a player he was, and in my position, he’s someone who I know that any advice he gives me is something I can take and look to use.

“There’s a lot of things he did with me with regards details to positioning, but everyone’s different. He said to me that he could give me tips on how he would defend certain situations but there might be other situations where I would defend differently because of the profile of player that I am compared to him. But something he’s always told me is to be myself and trust my ability, and any advice I get along the way to just take it and use it.”

Hall also reflected on his first experience of training under Tuchel at Chelsea, with the German giving him his senior debut in an FA Cup tie in January 2022.

“I was 17 at Chelsea when I first trained with the first team and I just remember him and his staff being really welcoming to me…I think they realised what a big thing it was for a young player, because there was a couple of us who came up at the time.

“I remember his sessions were really good, a lot was possession-based which I really enjoyed and he was a good person to me and gave me my debut. Without that, it probably wouldn’t have given me the confidence to kick-on from there, so I’m grateful for that but right now I want to focus on here. I’m a completely different player now, so I’m not sure if that means anything now.”

It is quite a journey from that first Chelsea opportunity to becoming an established Newcastle starter and an increasingly important England international.

The biggest takeaway for us is that Hall understands exactly what makes him effective at left-back. We have a player who can help build attacks, carry the ball into dangerous areas and create chances, while continuing to improve the defensive side of his game.

With his best years still ahead of him, Hall could be a huge part of what we are building at St James’ Park.