Newcastle’s Lewis Hall Reflects on Evolution Since Chelsea Debut Under Thomas Tuchel

Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has stated he is a “completely different player” compared to when he made his Chelsea debut at 17 years old in 2020 under Thomas Tuchel. Hall, now aged 20, joined the Magpies in August 2023. Following a challenging initial period on Tyneside, he has since featured as a starter in all 11 Premier League matches this season for manager Eddie Howe’s squad. He is expected to encounter Tuchel again soon, as the German coach is set to assume leadership of the England team after the current training camp led by interim manager Lee Carsley. “I think I am a completely different player now,” Hall remarked after receiving his first senior England call-up. He elaborated on Tuchel’s initial assessment: “I think his thinking was, with me being a midfielder back then, to know I was comfortable on the ball, knowing we would have a lot of possession.” Hall then questioned the current relevance of that perspective, adding, “I am not sure if that means anything now, especially as I feel my game is completely different now to how it was back then.” He expressed gratitude towards Tuchel, stating, “He was a good person to me, he gave me my debut and I think without that, it wouldn’t have given me the confidence.” He concluded by shifting his focus: “So I’m grateful to him for that but right now I have just got to focus on the manager now, which is Lee Carsley, and I am really enjoying it.” Hall indicated that his strong performance early in the current season meant he was not surprised by Carsley’s invitation. “I think I had a bit of feeling purely because of the lack of out-and-out left-backs that there are in the squad,” Hall explained. He acknowledged the versatility of other players, noting, “There are a few players who can play both sides, left and right, but I was just thinking, ‘If I am playing well for my club that is all I can do’, and then the decision is in the hands of the manager. Obviously I was delighted when he selected me.” Hall also emphasized his youth and appreciation for national team opportunities: “I am still really young. Every single time I play for England, no matter what age group, I am really grateful. To be in this camp now is something I am grateful for.”