Lewis Hall has set the Premier League’s record this season for the amount of times winning the ball in the defensive third in Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat against Fulham.
The teenager was handed his second Premier League start of his career as Graham Potter elected for a return to a back five in the West London derby
Despite being a natural midfielder, and playing there when he appeared for the academy side, he has only ever played on the left of defence when featuring for the first team.
He was selected ahead of Marc Cucurella, despite the Spaniard looking as if he was impressing more since the return of club football.
Hall meanwhile has been a revelation after being purely a member of the youth sides until Potter called upon him.
Hall sets Premier League record
His role in Fulham’s first goal last night was brought into question, however it was a mostly impressive performance by the 18-year-old again.
This is shown in the stats. Hall has set a new record for this season in the league for amount of times winning the ball in his own defensive third.
With Ben Chilwell still quite a way away from returning to full fitness, Hall can certainly expect some more appearances over the next few weeks.
The Blues have been hit with a plethora of injuries this season, a lot of them to crucial first team players. This could provide more opportunities to fellow youth stars to impress on the big stage.
Omari Hutchinson wasn’t in the squad last night, but Joao Felix’s suspension as well as injuries for Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic could open up opportunities in attack,
In his few appearances he is yet to set the world alight, but more minutes can only mean positives for the youngster who joined from Arsenal.
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