Eddie Howe has now shared why Lewis Hall can’t get a look in the Newcastle United team ahead of Kieran Trippier or Tino Livramento despite the players looking very tired after two successive defeats.
Trippier and Livramento have been starting at the full-back positions for Newcastle, meaning Hall is struggling for game time at the moment.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Howe claimed that he wasn’t going to make changes for the sake of it and that he was still very happy with his players contributions.
Hall has only played in three Premier League games for Newcastle
At 19-years-old, Hall is still very young in his development as a footballer and Howe will want to take his time bedding the defender into the team, but his lack of playing time still feels strange.
Newcastle have been forced to play the usual group of players for five games in a row now due to injuries, and yet Hall still can’t seem to force his way in to give Livramento or Trippier a rest which they clearly need.
Hall has previously featured in some big games for Newcastle, playing on the opposite flank to Trippier against Dortmund as well as scoring in the Carabao Cup game against Manchester United.
The Chelsea loanee definitely has a lot of talent and will be desperate to get out onto the pitch, especially after two poor defeats where the team could have used a bit of youthful energy.
After the Tottenham game, Howe said: “I think Tino has been excellent at left-back and Kieran has his own qualities at right-back.
“Lewis when he comes on has to perform well. If I make changes I want to make changes that benefit the team… We don’t have an abundance of options.
“When [Trippier is] part of your biggest attacking threat every week he’s a very difficult one to miss out. Even today he had his moments with some really good crosses, especially in the second half.”
Hall may now get his chance against Fulham
While Howe may be keen to keep playing Trippier, who has been so reliable for him, the 33-year-old will be suspended for Newcastle’s next match against Fulham after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season in the Tottenham game, meaning Hall will likely have to start on Saturday.
It may be for the best – Trippier has made a few mistakes in the games against Everton and Tottenham and a week’s long rest might just be what the England international needs to recapture his best form.
On Wednesday against AC Milan, however, it looks like the £12m signing will keep his place in the team and whether or not we see Hall from the bench or in the starting 11 is another matter.
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