“Holes” in Lewis Hall‘s defensive game “have been there for everyone to see”, says former Newcastle United defender John Anderson.

Hall joined the Magpies from Chelsea on loan in August 2023, before completing a permanent move this summer.

However, the 20-year-old left-back has struggled to secure a regular spot in Eddie Howe’s side since making his debut nearly 12 months ago, playing 22 times in the Premier League but starting just 10 games.

“I have doubts about him from a defensive point of view,” Anderson told BBC Radio Newcastle. “Some of the positions he takes up aren’t great.

“I think it is mainly the case that he isn’t defensive minded. He wants to get on the ball, he wants to get forward, he wants to join in, which I know is your modern day full-back and I appreciate that, but when it comes to defending you have got to do it.

“You have to be in the right areas, you can’t leave holes in behind you and, in the games he has played this season, they have been there for everyone to see.

“He is still 20 years of age but whether he sees his future long-term as a full-back or not, I don’t know.

“The boy can play the game, there is no doubt about it, I just feel defensively, he doesn’t think defensively. All his thoughts are about getting forward and joining in and when it is coming the other way, he doesn’t think ‘danger’.”

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds