Lewis Hall has been a “shining light” in Newcastle’s inconsistent season, says boss Eddie Howe.
The left-back struggled for regular game time while on loan with the Magpies last campaign, but has had a real breakthrough this term since making the move permanent, having played in every game for the club so far.
He has also started 15 of those 19 matches across all competitions and provided two assists.
While Newcastle’s form has been somewhat indifferent, Hall’s performances have been a point of consistency for the side.
“He has played really well this season. He has been very consistent,” Howe said.
“He has been a real shining light in that aspect by being the same Lewis, home or away. For someone so young that is hard to do.
“His technical delivery has been outstanding, building attacks, his final ball can improve, but great to see him get two assists so far.
“Defensively he has been pretty good, but there are still areas to improve and develop. He’s moving in right direction, but for someone so young his maturity levels have been really good.”
The 20-year-old boyhood Newcastle fan joined the club from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal in August 2023 and the move was made permanent for a fee of £28m in July 2024.
Asked about this season’s Hall compared to the player of the last campaign, Howe said: “They are very different players.
“With any young player you need a degree of patience, from everyone around them too.
“There is a path of development, whatever age, when you are trying to get into the team. You are developing your game, you cant just wait, so when you get in the team you can stay in.
“We encourage development [in young players] all the time, we work hard to try to improve them.”