Lewis Miley has a very bright Newcastle United future, but his best position remains unclear.
The 18-year-old started for the Magpies on Sunday, as Newcastle United beat Bromley in the FA Cup.
Lewis Miley played as the ‘six’ in midfield, and produced a wondrous display that included a stunning strike from distance. Newcastle fans were blown away by Miley, who won the player of the match award.
The teenager performed brilliantly as the Magpies’ deepest midfielder, suggesting that he can be Sandro Tonali’s understudy in that position.
However, Eddie Howe is unwilling to pin Miley down to just one role.
Eddie Howe makes exciting Lewis Miley claim
Ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Wolves, Eddie Howe spoke to the media.
He was asked what Lewis Miley’s best position is after he played so well as a ‘six’ on Sunday against Bromley.
“He’s a bit of everything,” he said.
“I wouldn’t want to label him at the moment in terms of one position.
“I think he played really well as a six and I loved him in that position on Sunday. Got a lot of the ball and took that responsibility excellently.
“He has the ability to play as an eight. When he played last year, the majority of the time he was the higher position. I remember him scoring and assisting. He’s certainly got great legs.
“What he’s added in his time out is a bit more physicality and power. His aerial ability is improving as well, so he’s very much an all-rounder who can do a bit of everything.”
Eddie Howe vow is good news for Lewis Miley
Given how young he is and the talents he possesses, it is understandable why Howe is unwilling to label Miley.
He has proven he can play as a ‘six’, while he is good enough to operate as an ‘eight’. That is what he did last season, while he played well in that position during his cameo against Ipswich Town earlier this season.
Miley is versatile, and that is going to increase his chances of getting consistent football this season. While the teenager might not be a regular starter during the 2024/25 campaign, he should hopefully begin to feature more and more.
Whether it is as an ‘eight’ or a ‘six’, Miley should start to get more minutes. He was really impressive on Sunday, even if it was against a League Two team.
But we saw last season that he can hold his own against the elite, and Howe thinks he has improved further since then.
Newcastle United have a special talent on their hands, even if it is currently unclear what his future role will be in the starting XI.
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