Newcastle's 2024/25 campaign has been quite underwhelming so far. Barring a few games, the club hasn't been convincing, and even if it has been, poor finishing upfront has hampered their PL run much. While the side was initially off to some quick points in the season, being winless from the last 4 games has seen them slip down to the 9th position now.
Newcastle boss Howe impressed with the club's £28 million full-back signing
However, although clearly, Eddie Howe's Newcastle hasn't started the season many would have expected from them, they certainly have gathered some brilliant positives so far that can be crucial ahead. One of them has definitely been the transformation of ace prodigy Lewis Hall at the Tyneside club, who now can justify why the club spent £28 million for him.
Although Hall had been a part of Newcastle in the 2023/24 campaign as well after he completed a loan move from Chelsea, the 20-year-old looked too raw to be involved in the first team dynamics. However, while knowing the potential repercussions, Newcastle went ahead and signed Hall permanently this summer, despite facing much criticism from the club fans.
But little did they know that the 20-year-old fullback would eventually turn into one of the biggest positives for the Magpies club. So far this season, Hall, having featured in all 10 games for Eddie Howe's side, starting 6 of them, has been brilliant in the left-back role, proving to be one of the best club businesses of the summer. Recently, manager Eddie Howe praised the youngster for how he has been impressing everyone lately.
Speaking on his £28M signing, Howe remarked,
"“I’ve been really pleased with the way he’s played in the last few games. He’s adding layers and different strengths to his game. I can only see that improving, so I think it’s a great bit of business by us.”"Eddie Howe
As evident from manager Howe's words, it looks certain that Hall, who delivered a masterclass performance against Manchester City this season, would be on the starting XI in their upcoming fixture against Chelsea. While for the whole unit as well, this game holds much importance as a medium to get things back on track, it is going to be a special one for Howe, who faces his former club for the first time since leaving.
Given that Hall was not a consistent starter at the Blues, the 20-year-old would have a crucial chance to make his former club repent for his sale. Newcastle fans would hope that Lewis Hall and others put in a remarkable effort at Stamford Bridge, returning with as many points as possible from the crucial fixture.