A lot of young players today would listen to the words of Chelsea legend Ashley Cole.
During his playing career, Ashley Cole, for many, was the best left-back in the world. He is the kind of defender Chelsea could do with now.
While Enzo Maresca’s men have been good going forward this season, they have been a bit suspect at the back. The Blues have conceded three penalties, more than any other team in the Premier League.
In total, Chelsea have conceded 12 goals in the top flight, with Newcastle United being one side to have breached them.
- READ MORE: £50m Chelsea player likes Lewis Hall Instagram post making dig at Blues after Carabao Cup defeat
Former Chelsea player Lewis Hall wins England call-up
Newcastle defender Lewis Hall started in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea and has since been called up to the England squad.
It is a big achievement for the left-back, but it looks like he got some help along the way. According to journalist Simon Phillips, Cole has been on the phone to Hall, giving him support and advice.
On Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, Phillips wrote: “Sources have heard that Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has been on the phone with Hall offering his support and advice.”
Stuart Pearce wanted to see Hall in the England squad, and the 62-year-old has now got his wish. Hall could be about to emulate Cole and become an England international just like the Chelsea icon.
How does Lewis Hall compare to Marc Cucurella?
Before his suspension, Marc Cucurella was Chelsea’s first-choice left-back.
The 26-year-old started in Chelsea’s victory over Hall’s side and had a much better game than the Newcastle youngster.
When it came to interceptions, tackles and ground duels won, it was the Spaniard who came out on top at Stamford Bridge.
| Marc Cucurella and Lewis Hall’s defensive stats during Chelsea v Newcastle | Tackles | Interceptions | Ground duels won |
| Marc Cucurella | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Lewis Hall | 0 | 0 | 1 |
The above does not mean that Hall is a bad player. He is far from it in fact. “He’s a really talented lad,” Eddie Howe was quoted as saying by NewcastleWorld last season.
However, as long as Cucurella can stay fit and does not keep picking up suspensions, then Chelsea should be able to cope without the £28m defender.
Once he becomes an England international, though, you suspect the Blues’ decision to sell him will be questioned.
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