Sean Longstaff knows a thing or two about emerging from the Newcastle United academy and becoming the talk of the Toon.
That is exactly what happened when Rafa Benitez gave him his big break in a Newcastle United shirt five years ago. He burst onto the scene in black and white, quickly looking like a player who would have a bright future at St James’ Park.
That has turned out to be the case, although the journey has not been straightforward.
But he has developed into an important player under Eddie Howe, and now Newcastle have another midfielder emerging from the academy just like Sean Longstaff did. Only difference is he is even younger, and probably even better.
At the age of 17, Lewis Miley’s name is on everybody’s lips. After a spectacular run in the starting XI, he actually dropped to the bench for Saturday’s game against Fulham.
But he was called upon in the first half when Joelinton was struck down by injury, and it ended up being one of the best days of Miley’s life. He scored his first ever goal for the club, with his smart finish setting Newcastle on their way to a convincing 3-0 win.
He deserved the goal for his recent string of performances, and Sean Longstaff has explained why the teenager is so special – and why the rest of the team are not surprised by how well he is doing.
Sean Longstaff not surprised by ‘unbelievable’ Lewis Miley
After the 3-0 win over Fulham, Longstaff spoke to the Northern Echo about the ‘ridiculously good’ Lewis Miley.
“There’s a reason he’s been around the senior squad for so long, and there’s a reason why we all speak so highly of him,” he said.
“None of us are surprised about what’s happened because he’s ridiculously good.
“It’s the way he receives the ball, the way he passes it, he’s a good size. His start to life in the Premier League and Champions League has been absolutely unbelievable and I’m so happy for him.
“He’s come in the dressing-room just now and you couldn’t tell he’s scored, he’s just exactly the same. Everyone started shouting and screaming at him, telling him to give us a speech and ‘Dance, dance’, and he just put his head down like a typical 17-year-old kid and said, ‘Naaaa’.
“He just sat there as if he’s used to doing it. I’m really happy for him, he’s such a humble kid. He’s got all the talent in the world and we’re just lucky to have him.”
Newcastle have struck gold with Lewis Miley
The things Lewis Miley is doing at such a young age is absolutely incredible. The games he has been asked to start in have been absolutely massive, yet he has been unfazed by the magnitude of the assignment.
Champions League dates with PSG and AC Milan, Chelsea and Man United at St James’ Park – Miley is level-headed no matter who the opponent is, and it has led to a string of spectacular performances.
He already has two assists to his name, but it was fantastic to see him score on Saturday. It is his latest milestone in such a short space of time, and you can see he is becoming more and more confident.
The only thing that had been missing from his game was a bit of desire to score himself, but it was there on Saturday. He had one effort that was saved, before getting into a great position to give Newcastle the lead.
He is an incredible talent at 17, and you can already see how he has improved since coming into the side.
Newcastle have struck gold with Miley, and the Magpies are lucky to have him, as Longstaff says.
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