Newcastle United have endured midfield problems this season.
Even before Sandro Tonali’s ban from football, much was made about Newcastle’s struggles in the engine room, with there some doubt as to whether or not the Italian and Bruno Guimaraes could operate together successfully.
With Guimaraes previously making it clear he’d rather play further forward amid an acceptance the deeper role is not his optimum position, things have been messy at times.
Well, the Brazilian was deployed as more of a No.8 against Nottingham Forest on Saturday and duly scored two goals.
In order to accommodate Guimaraes, Eddie Howe had to tinker. Lewis Miley, hailed as “exceptional” by Jason Tindall for his meteoric rise in the first-team this season, was deployed as the No.6.
It’s fair to say Howe was impressed.
Lewis Miley: Eddie Howe praises Newcastle star
Speaking after the game, Howe said (via The Shields Gazette): “We played Lewis [Miley] as a 6 and played Bruno higher and Sean in his normal role and then we mixed things around.
“I still think that’s a challenge for us but individually they’ve done very well. Lewis, for someone so young to play that role and the responsibility that comes with it I thought did excellently.”
Lewis Miley: Newcastle star keeps impressing
It’s remarkable to see Miley adapt so well to a new role at the age of just 17.
While tougher tests will surely come, its certainly promising to see Miley capable of freeing Guimaraes somewhat.
The lack of a defensive midfielder has been noted upon this season. Whether Miley is a long-term option there or not remains to be seen but the early signs suggest he could at least do a job.
A prodigious talent, the teenager keeps impressing no matter the challenge thrown at him.
The future is very bright for Miley.
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