Finding positives in Chelsea's 2022/23 season is a near impossible challenge, but there is definitely some, albeit minimal optimism, that Mauricio Pochettino can take into the next campaign. One of those positives has been the performances of some of the Blues younger players which does bring some hope for the future.
Bright moments in brief cameos from January arrivals Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana form part of that optimism for future campaigns. While Benoit Badiashile and Enzo Fernandez, who also arrived in the winter window, have spent a considerable amount of time in the starting XI and impressed at that.
Away from the incomings, not many stars already at the club prior to the last two transfer windows have really justified why they deserve to remain at the club, however one academy graduate has done himself numerous favours.
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Following an injury to Ben Chilwell, Lewis Hall has started the last two games on the left of the defence. After playing at left-back against Nottingham Forest, Hall was given license to roam forward against Manchester City as he started at left wing-back.
Despite City's domination, Hall was able to impact the game in the final third delivering a number of good passes and crosses in the first half. The second period also saw Hall get into two shooting positions where he forced Stefan Ortega to make smart saves to deny him.
The display of Hall will likely please Pochettino who was known for his love of buccaneering full backs. At Tottenham, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were his chosen options with both contributing significantly in attack while also doing their fair share defensively before Walker moved on to Manchester City and Kieran Trippier stepped in to make his mark.
During Pochettino's tenure at Paris Saint-Germain, it was Achraf Hakimi who thrived under his preferred system and Hall could be set for the same role. Chilwell's injuries have limited his explosiveness which could see Hall become a more frequent starter, especially as Pochettino is also known for successfully developing younger players. At just 18 Hall, could definitely have a bright future ahead of him under the ex-Spurs manager.
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