Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley scored in his first Premier League start in a year on Sunday.
The 18-year-old is showing signs of becoming a special talent in the early stages of his career after breaking into Eddie Howe’s squad at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Lewis Miley has only had a handful of appearances for Newcastle United this season after struggling with a back problem and metatarsal injury in the last 12 months. However, these setbacks do not look to have hampered his progress. The midfielder scored in his first start of the season against Bromley in the FA Cup, a stunning finish on the edge of the area to level the tie.
After the game, Toon captain Bruno Guimaraes praised Miley on social media, congratulating him on the goal.
History would repeat itself on Sunday when Miley pulled Newcastle from the fire to equalise against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. His strike was the first of four goals in 11 minutes for the Magpies, helping them secure their first win in three league games.
Pat Nevin said Miley has the ‘world at his feet‘ at the moment – it’s hard to disagree with him considering his ability at such a young age.
With Miley looking like he will feature against Liverpool on Wednesday, Toon boss Eddie Howe has recognised what Newcastle must do to ensure he keeps progressing.
Eddie Howe’s cautious approach to Lewis Miley’s Newcastle progress
So far this season, Miley has made 11 appearances in all competitions, including seven games in the Premier League, mostly as a late substitute.
The 18-year-old has also featured for England’s under-21s this season, playing twice against Spain and the Netherlands respectively.
Miley has benefitted from Joelinton’s injury absence, but Howe has recognised that he can’t continue to throw him into the deep end at his age – his approach must be more methodical to avoid injury.
On Miley in his pre-match press conference, Howe said: “For us we have to remember (his age) a lot. I think when he played the number of games he did last year he was coping with the load with ease.
“There looked to be no strain on his body. Then he developed a back problem which was a big blow at his age.
“We need to recognise that fact, look after him with the utmost care at this moment in time in his career because he has the look of a guy in his early 20s. He’s filled out, he looks stronger, and quicker.
“But he’s still going through growth spurts and his body will still be changing on a daily basis so we need to have that in mind all the time.”
Lewis Miley has a bright future at Newcastle
Newcastle staff will understand that the sky is the limit for Miley, but it’s important that he keeps progressing and is only fully integrated into the Magpies’ starting XI when the time is right. Miley has already played at a high level for Newcastle, featuring in the Champions League at just 17 years old last season.
Miley ‘went missing’ from Newcastle, according to Micah Richards who was referring to his injury layoffs. He now looks to be over the worst of his problems, though.
- READ MORE – Lewis Miley can’t believe he gets to play alongside ‘ridiculous’ Newcastle United player
The 18-year-old’s comeuppance is a big boost for Paul Mitchell who could now be able to look at strengthening other positions that are in more desperate need of bodies rather than the midfield.
Joelinton turns 30 next year and his recent injury troubles are not a great sign for his future. Miley’s rise means that is much less of a worry for Howe who can replace the Brazilian without issue when the time comes.
Miley is ready to become a regular starter for Newcastle but must continue to prove to Howe he is.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
