Lewis reveals admiration for Liverpool duo as pundit scolds Klopp verdict

Jamal Lewis

Jurgen Klopp has been told he made a mistake not bringing Jamal Lewis to Liverpool this summer.

The Northern Ireland international held his own despite Norwich finishing rock bottom of the Premier League last season.

As such, the 22-year-old was heavily tipped to depart in the summer window.

Rumours of a switch to Liverpool were frequently touted, though the Reds ultimately opted to sign Olympiacos full-back Kostas Tsimikas instead.

That left the door ajar for Newcastle, who on Tuesday completed their move for a fee believed to be around the £15m mark.

However, former Premier League striker Dean Ashton reckons the decision not to bring Lewis to Anfield is one that Klopp will live to regret.

Speaking ahead of the return of the EFL on Quest highlights show this Saturday, Ashton is adamant Lewis could have shone at Liverpool.

“I think he made a mistake, because there’s a lot of potential there,” said Ashton.

“If you look at Andy Robertson – and the player he came into Liverpool as – there’s certain similarities there.

“Robertson is better in terms of his attacking play and Lewis has still got plenty more to improve on.

“But I still think he can become an even better player as he’s got that intelligence and professionalism to do what it takes.”

Newcastle have been busy this week, having also signed Callum Wilson from Bournemouth and free agent Ryan Fraser.

As a result, Ashton reckons Newcastle are the perfect next stage for Lewis.

 

“It’s a huge football club with a ridiculous fan base,” Ashton added.

“Every player I’ve ever spoken to says it’s a totally unique place to play.

“Steve Bruce has also shown defensively over the years that he knows how to put a side together.

“And being the fantastic defender that he was, what better manager to learn from than him.”

 

Lewis welcome move to Newcastle

Lewis has signed a five-year deal at St James’ Park, and boss Steve Bruce relayed his hopes that Lewis will be the club’s long-term left-back for a considerable number of years.

Jamal-Lewis-Newcastle-NUFC-Website

“Jamal is a very exciting prospect,” Bruce told Newcastle’s official website. “I watched him flourish in the Championship two years ago and he made a real fist of it in the Premier League last season.

“He is only 22 years old and has a wonderful future ahead of him. I hope he is a Newcastle United full-back for years to come.

“It’s been a great week for us with incoming players. We have had to be patient but these players improve us, which is key.”

Lewis, speaking to NUFC TV, added: “It was a little bit unexpected. But it was something that I was obviously looking forward to when I heard there was serious interest. I’m delighted to be here now.

“Newcastle’s such a great club with such history. I knew it was an opportunity I would love to take with both hands.”

Lewis admits he is looking towards Liverpool still, with a pair of their full-backs the players he wishes to emulate.

“There are great examples, the two would be from Liverpool, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold,” he added.

“They are really setting the standard right now with how they play and the aggression and enthusiasm to get forward.

“You see how they play. They are vital to their team.”

 

Read more here….