Eddie Howe has one new midfielder who he can call upon this season, with Newcastle United signing Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.
There is a lot of buzz surrounding the £55million man, but he is not the only midfielder who Howe is now going to turn to during the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Newcastle’s pre-season has been all about the academy, with Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley hogging the headlines with their performances.
It has been even more special to see the latter shine, as he is only 17-years-old. He has got one senior appearance for the Magpies, coming off the bench during Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on the final day of last season.
Now more minutes are on the horizon for a young man who Howe believes is ‘technically excellent’.
Eddie Howe plans to use Lewis Miley in the Premier League
According to the Telegraph, Howe is going to use Miley a lot more this season. The report states that the teenager will feature heavily during the early rounds of the Carabao Cup, while Howe is also going to bring him on as a substitute during the Premier League.
That is a huge show of faith from Howe, who already has a lot of midfield options before you factor in Miley.
With Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Anderson, we have got six players competing for three positions. Throw Miley into the conversation and there is even more competition.
But Howe clearly believes that Miley can make a difference, and he has shown just that during pre-season. The youngster has used his minutes brilliantly, and looks wise beyond his years.
Newcastle have a star on their hands, and it is vital that the club develop him carefully. Howe has already made the brave and sensible decision to keep him on Tyneside rather than loan him out, and now he is going to reward the academy talent with senior minutes in a black and white shirt.
Hopefully Miley seizes the opportunity when it comes his way.
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