Newcastle United supporters had high hopes for Jamal Lewis when he arrived from Norwich City in 2019. Relegation the previous season did not deter the Magpies in their attempt to sign the highly-rated youngster, who had attracted interest from Liverpool.
Left-back was a position up for grabs as Jetro Willems - who impressed during a brief stint - suffered a loan-ending injury against Chelsea in January. Danny Rose was drafted in as a temporary fix but it quickly became obvious his move was not going to be made permanent.
The coast looked clear for £13million man Lewis to become Newcastle’s long-term answer at left-back. However, the Northern Ireland defender looked lightweight, clumsy and bereft of confidence under Steve Bruce. The 24-year-old’s clouded mental state was evident last October when he was sent off on international duty for time-wasting over a throw-in.
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Upon resumption of the 2020-21 campaign following Covid, Lewis was dropped - and he has barely featured since. Just five Premier League appearances last season makes him one of several forgotten men on Tyneside as Toon chiefs look to overhaul an enormous first-team squad.
But recent comments from Eddie Howe could offer the former Canary an outside chance of rejuvenating his stalled career. After all, Lewis showed glimpses of talent under the Toon boss before picking up a hamstring injury in December - a setback that caused him to miss out on the Magpies’ 25-man Premier League squad.
Speaking to NUFC TV last week, Howe said: “I think you need a minimum of two players in each position. I think the demands the Premier League will set this year will be extreme.
“With the World Cup and fixtures being congested, we’re really going to need that quality in every position. Also, competition brings out the best in everybody. It does push you to new heights. So I think it's really good for the group.”
Matt Targett deservedly has the left-back spot in his grasp after an impressive loan stint in 2021-22. Despite recent injury woes, Paul Dummett earned a one-year extension in May but he operates on the left of a back three rather than as a full-back nowadays.
With focus in the transfer market turning to attacking talent, Lewis appears to have one final chance to prove his worth at Newcastle. Howe’s “rule of two” for the upcoming campaign offers him an unlikely opportunity to stake his claim on Tyneside.
Where should he look for inspiration? Straight across the dressing room to teammates Joelinton, Ryan Fraser and Emil Krafth after their heroics in recent months.
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