While pre-season is not the time from which to draw too many definitive conclusions, there were some promising signs.
Though it seems a long time ago now with Newcastle United having smashed Aston Villa to get their Premier League campaign up and running, Eddie Howe would have loved what he saw from his younger players.
Elliot Anderson particularly impressed and is being primed for a big role for the coming season, while Lewis Miley was another to have stood out.
Indeed, the 17-year-old is seen as a bonus addition to the first-team squad behind the scenes and has amazed teammates with his development.
Now, the midfielder has spoken about that whirlwind journey.
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Lewis Miley now shares what shocked him this summer
Speaking to The Athletic, Miley shared his surprise about his involvement during the pre-season tour of America.
Hailed as a “baller” by Bruno Guimaraes for his performance at Chelsea, the teenager was surprised to have seen so much game time, albeit in friendlies.
“That was definitely my best moment starting against Chelsea,” he said.
“The whole experience of going out to the USA, especially considering the minutes I got — I wasn’t expecting that many. But to play in front of all them fans…”
Eddie Howe the perfect manager for Miley
Already, Howe has called for Miley to be protected.
As young, local lad playing for a team attracting so much attention right now, caution must be applied. Sean Longstaff spoke of how much links with a move to Manchester United impacted him, so avoiding another case like that seems wise.
Howe has yielded vast improvements out of pretty much every player he inherited at the club. His coaching work cannot be questioned, placing Miley in great hands going forward.
A talent for the future who will be sticking around in the short-term, the future is very promising.