While Chelsea’s injury issues came amid a brutal winter schedule and a downturn in form the Blues, it did provide an opportunity. The youngster perhaps most impressive to supporters was 17-year-old Lewis Hall, who is preparing to face Liverpool in the FA Youth Cup this weekend. Hall put in a man of the match performance in the FA Cup against Chesterfield, earning an assist while never looking out of place on the left of Tuchel’s back three.
Lewis Hall said: “I have two that I like to base my game around and that’s Kevin De Bruyne and Frank Lampard. Both of them are very good technically but I also like how they both contribute to the team with goals and assists and how they look so comfortable on the ball.”
Hall and his teammates have spent a lot of time around the Blues squad over the last month or so, and while he is not been overawed, it is Chelsea midfielders that have impressed him most.
Lewis Hall said: “That’s a tough one! We have so many good players in the squad but if I had to choose I’d go for either Mateo Kovacic or Jorginho. The best goal I’ve seen live is probably Kovacic’s volley against Liverpool a few weeks back. What a hit that was!”
He’s not the only academy star to have sang the praises of the Croatian, who is enjoying his best season in a Chelsea shirt. Charlie Webster was very appreciative of Kovacic’s efforts during his time with the first team.
Lewis Hall said: “Mateo Kovacic has also been a major help. He is one of the best central midfielders in the world and I have learnt a lot from him. Taking this experience back to the squad will hopefully ensure that my game improves; ultimately affecting the team in a positive way.”
