Jason Cundy believes Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall is so good that he could go on to play for Real Madrid in the future.
Hall has been a standout performer in the Premier League this season and is tipped to start for England at the World Cup.
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The 21-year-old, who came through Chelsea’s academy, has played 40 games for Newcastle this term, starring in all competitions.
Alongside his impressive domestic showings, he also caught the eye when in battle against Lamine Yamal in the Champions League.
His form has now seen him become a leading contender to be England’s left-back at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Ex-Chelsea defender Cundy wants to see that happen and believes that Hall could even go on to play for one of the best in Europe.
On whether Hall is nailed on to start for England at the World Cup in North America, Cundy said: “I would say so.
“Nico O’Reilly’s had a great spell as well…they’re technically both midfielders, Hall was a midfielder at Chelsea.
“I think that consistently, Lewis Hall has been, without a doubt, for me, the best English left back in the country.”
Picking out Hall’s best traits, Cundy then added: “He has had a brilliant season, he’s top drawer all over the pitch.
“He attacks, his positional sense, his weight of cross, his pass, his energy levels…
“He knows when to support the wide man, knows when to overlap, he’s a brilliant player.
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“Lewis Hall, from when I saw him at Chelsea to now…I think he could actually move to a top five or six club in the world.
“I think he’s got that in him, I’m not joking, he could be at Real Madrid. I think he could be that good.
“It’s a big statement, but I’ve seen him develop and Newcastle fans won’t thank me for saying this, but he really is that good.
“I think he could [go on to play for Real Madrid].
“You think about other left-backs around the world, we’ll see this summer where he really is.
“He is top, top drawer.”
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Following in Trent’s footsteps?
Hall, who started off on loan at Newcastle from Chelsea, signed for the Magpies permanently in 2024.
He signed a long-term contract at the club, so he isn’t expected to leave St. James’ Park anytime soon.
However, should Eddie Howe’s side miss out on European football this season, with them sitting in 12th after 31 games, Hall may feel he can play at a higher level.
And if Real Madrid come calling, you can’t say no – just ask Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Alexander-Arnold joined Real from Liverpool last summer and if Hall follows, it would be a strong English full-back pairing.
The Spanish giants do have Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy as left-back options already though, so Cundy’s prediction may not happen.
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But one thing’s for sure, Hall is going to have the eyes of some big clubs on him, especially if he stars at the World Cup.
He has been called up by Thomas Tuchel for the final camp before the tournament this summer.
And if he performs to the levels he has been, the German will have no choice but to start with him at the back.
Man City’s O’Reilly will contend, with Hall’s Newcastle teammate Tino Livramento and Tottenham’s Djed Spence competing too.
But with Luke Shaw looking set to be snubbed, it will be the year for one of them to make the position their own.
