Newcastle are turning Lewis Hall into the player he always dreamed of being, and it's thanks to Eddie Howe.
Hall was a surprise departure from Chelsea last summer after making some impressive cameos for the club before joining the Magpies on loan.
Certain clauses were met in that loan deal which has since made the move permanent for a total fee of £35million, not an easy price tag for a 19-year-old to meet.
But after a difficult start at St James' Park, Hall is now showing why Newcastle were happy to shell out a pretty penny for his services, and has credited Howe with helping him improve.
Having been converted from midfielder to left back, Hall admitted his defense needed some adjustments.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the teenager said: “I think it was mainly the defensive part of my game (that I needed to improve).
“Certain aspects of that I feel like… Obviously, with my midfield traits, I've never had that level of full-back training.
“So yeah, it was good to have that idea. Not just from the coach but from the rest of the coaching staff.
“It was great to have them work with me individually behind the scenes, as well as with the team.
“I'm always learning while I train, watch the games and see what other players are doing.”
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Hall was limited to sporadic appearances off the bench in the first half of the season, accounting for just 90 Premier League minutes before New Year's Day before seven straight games on the bench.
Since then, however, the youngster has become a key player under Howe, who has had to deal with an injury crisis, while Hall has featured in eight straight league games.
The Chelsea loanee admitted it has been difficult but is desperate to make a good impression on his manager.
“I'm not afraid to admit that when I joined the club I wasn't necessarily the player I know I can be.
“I think I was missing some areas that the coach thought were very important to have as a full-back.
“I spent a few months working behind the scenes, training with the guys and doing extras, trying to work on this stuff.
“I feel like I've been in a good position for a few months now. It's about continuing to train well and getting the coach's attention.”
Newcastle will be next in action on Wednesday night when they take on manchester united at Old Trafford, live on talkSPORT.
