Lewis Hall will be very happy with his performance as Newcastle United beat Urawa Red Diamonds on Wednesday.
The Magpies have kicked off their pre-season tour of Japan with a 4-1 win, but Eddie Howe‘s side were made to work hard for their victory.
It was a tough game for Newcastle United, particularly in the first half. But they led 2-1 at half time thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy.
Newcastle quickly put the game beyond Urawa Reds after the break, with Murphy netting his second of the game and fourth of pre-season before Lewis Hall made it 4-1. He did it via a huge deflection, but they all count!
Lewis Hall was one of two Newcastle players to play the full 90 minutes, as he started at left-back. That is his best position, after Hall briefly played in centre-midfield against Hull.
Lewis Hall impresses in Newcastle friendly win
It was an impressive display from the 19-year-old, who looks more and more comfortable in a Newcastle United shirt with each passing game.
It is only pre-season, but it is clear that Howe is starting to trust him more and more, as he continues to show major signs of progress in black and white.
There was one lapse moment defensively from Hall, but that was pretty much it. He was solid throughout, while he did his best to create chances down the left.
The teenager’s positive passing makes such a difference to Newcastle, and he combined brilliantly with Harvey Barnes and Joe Willock in the first half.
Earlier this year, Hall spoke about not being fit enough to play for Newcastle. That has certainly changed now, with Hall able to play the full 90 minutes in the Japanese humidity. That must have been extremely taxing, but he got through it with flying colours.
Newcastle fans make Hall prediction
It was an excellent display from Hall, and Toon fans are delighted with what they saw from the £28million summer signing.
After a mixed first year on Tyneside, Hall’s second season as a Newcastle United player could be very exciting.
That is the view of these Newcastle supporters, who have reacted to Hall’s performance against Urawa Red Diamonds on X.
This fan wrote on X: “Lewis Hall will have an immense season at starting left-back no doubt, two great pre-season displays.”
Another supporter shared that sentiment, commenting: “Hall is going to have one hell of a season!”
“What an important role he’ll play next season. Hall on the left and Tino on the right for many years to come – both for Newcastle and England,” tweeted a third Newcastle fan.
“Hall is going to have a stormer season,” added this Toon fan.
A fifth Newcastle United supporter wrote: “Lewis Hall is looking great and well up for the season.”
Finally, this member of the Toon Army made quite the statement on X: “The more I watch Lewis Hall the more I think we got a bargain.”
Hall could be a starter for Newcastle this season
A lot of fans are predicting a big year for Hall, which is a testament to the work he has been putting in behind the scenes.
He has improved so much, and is now in contention to start the new Premier League season in the Newcastle United starting XI.
Based on current form and availability, he has to start. Burn looks comfortable at centre-back, while Lloyd Kelly is yet to feature in pre-season. Matt Targett is also out injured, and it is unclear when he will be available again.
That means Hall has a real opportunity to start the season in Howe’s team, and it could set him up for what might just be a breakthrough year for the teenager.
Hall is an incredible talent with a huge amount of potential, and he is realising it a lot sooner than expected.
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