Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United players are going the extra mile to improve.
It is all about player development at Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe enhancing so many careers since his arrival at St James’ Park.
The Newcastle United manager has revitalised the likes of Joelinton and Sean Longstaff, while he has also helped the young players on Tyneside who are still at the starts of their careers.
Elliot Anderson really improved during his time with Howe, and is now proving how good he is for Nottingham Forest after the Magpies were forced to sell him.
Elsewhere, Lewis Miley is taking steps to ensure he achieves his potential amid the hype that surrounds his future.
Lewis Miley has worked very hard during his injury absence
The 18-year-old has had a tough 2024, missing seven months due to injury. He suffered from a back problem back in March, then broke his metatarsal just before pre-season started.
But the Newcastle United wonderkid is back to full fitness, and looks completely different.
The teenager has filled out, with Miley admitting that he has become much stronger during his injury layoff.
That has delighted Howe, who has praised Miley for the work he did in the gym while he was unable to play.
What Eddie Howe has said about Lewis Miley’s development
Ahead of Newcastle’s game against West Ham, Howe was asked about Miley’s development following his England Under-21s debut.
“The biggest development has come from him physically,” he said.
“When you look at Lewy when he first broke into the team, you would see someone who is big for his age but maybe hasn’t developed the muscle definition that he has now. That’s just through time and age.
“But he has worked really hard through his injury to develop his body and become more robust. He looks an unbelievable athlete now.
“He belies his age with how he looks, plays and acts. To play for England Under-21s at 18-years-old is a testament to highly England regard him, and how high we regard him.
“His career is in a good place. If we can keep him fit, we will continue to develop him, and I’m sure he will play many times for us.”
Newcastle United fans are desperate to see Miley in action again
Since returning from injury, Miley has only played once. He came on for the final stages of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, replacing Sandro Tonali.
By the time he came on, the game was won. Miley was probably lucky if he touched the ball more than once.
There was not enough time for Miley to get involved, with Toon fans still waiting to see what the young Geordie is like now that he has bulked up.
The teenager looks like he can be a presence in the middle of the park, and will be eager for a chance to show what he is now capable of. However, it will be extremely difficult for him to start games at this moment in time.
Howe has finally got a settled midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes joined by Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock. Sandro Tonali has been dropped to the bench, which sums up how difficult it is to get into this Newcastle midfield.
While Miley might get some minutes off the bench, do not be surprised if he has to wait until the FA Cup third round in January to actually start for Newcastle United.
But that is nothing to worry about, as time is very much on Miley’s side.
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