Lewis Miley’s rapid-fire improvement at Newcastle United has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Miley has always been an impressive talent ever since he emerged in the 2023-24 campaign but appears to have taken his game to another level this season.
Already, the Newcastle United midfielder has three goals and is performing well at right-back, a previously relatively unfamiliar position.
Lewis Miley is BETTER than Elliot Anderson was at his age. Prove me wrong 👀
There are now calls to bring the academy graduate into the midfield ahead of Joelinton when all of the squad are fit, which is a big call.
Last season, Newcastle’s midfield unit of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali were being hailed as perhaps the best in the Premier League.
Now, however, Miley’s good form at Newcastle cannot be ignored and while he is likely to play at right-back against Chelsea on Saturday due to Tino Livramento’s injury, Maresca has been full of praise.
Enzo Maresca praises Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley
The Italian, who has tasted defeat in his two games at St James’ Park as a manager, was speaking in his pre-match press conference.
Maresca, one of the leading managers in the game and certainly in a position to deliver expert opinion, was asked about the quality within the Newcastle midfield and namechecked Miley when speaking about Howe’s options there.
The fact that a 19-year-old was named ahead of the expensive Jacob Ramsey and the more experienced Joe Willock perhaps points to the impact he is making in the game.
It is difficult to disagree with Maresca’s assessment.
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Speaking about the midfield unit as a whole, Maresca talked of how it was “perfect”.
“Sandro Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Miley also, they are all fantastic players, international players,” he said.
“They complete each other. They are physically strong and good on the ball. They are 100% complete, perfect. It’s difficult for any team to face them.”
There are three games left in 2025. How many points will Newcastle get from them without Tino Livramento?
Lewis Miley’s previous exploits against Chelsea had Alexander Isak impressed
Back in November 2023, Miley registered his first-ever goal contribution in the Premier League when making his first start at St James’ Park, which came against the Blues.
Miley played in a brilliant ball for Alexander Isak, who scored the first goal in what eventually proved to be a 4-1 win on Tyneside.
That was an early sign of just how composed Miley is even at his young age.
Speaking to Newcastle United’s official website after the game, Miley revealed that Isak told him to keep up the good work.
“I got told by Alex during the celebrations, after I passed to him, to keep doing that and it’s really good to hear that kind of encouragement from players who are playing at international level. It gives me more belief as a player,” he said.
It’s a shame that supporters likely won’t see Miley in midfield against Chelsea but it would not be a surprise to see him continue his good form in some capacity.
Miley is making a real impact at Newcastle this season and Maresca certainly appears to have noted upon it.
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