While Manchester City think Bruno Guimaraes is similar to Rodri, Newcastle United believe they have another player with a similar skillset.
Rodri is on top of the world right now, despite being out of action due to injury. He won the 2024 Ballon d’Or on Monday, taking top spot ahead of Vinicius Junior.
The Real Madrid superstar coming second was seen as controversial, with Bruno Guimaraes showing his support for Brazil teammate Vinicius Junior.
But Rodri is a worthy winner. The Manchester City midfielder is irreplaceable, winning trophies for club and country.
Every club wants a player like Rodri, who is the perfect defensive midfielder.
Lewis Miley likened to Rodri
During the summer, it was reported that Man City think Bruno Guimaraes can replace Rodri in their midfield.
That is high praise for the Newcastle United captain, but he is not the only Toon player who boasts similarities to the 28-year-old.
According to the Athletic, a senior figure at Newcastle United can see similarities between Rodri and Toon wonderkid Lewis Miley.
They told the Athletic: “This is absolutely not meant to be a direct comparison and it wouldn’t be fair, but there is a touch of Rodri in that link between intelligence and technique. Rodri isn’t blessed with incredible physical capacity, but he doesn’t need it because he’s got those two key qualities. Lewis has that, too.”
Newcastle know Lewis Miley is special
The Newcastle United figure was keen to stress that they are not saying that Miley is the next Rodri. It was not necessarily a direct comparison.
Instead, they were merely pointing out that Miley possesses a couple of the traits that make Rodri so special – intelligence and technique.
Newcastle know they have a special talent in Miley. He was outstanding for the Magpies last season, and the hope will be that he can now get even better.
Eddie Howe says Miley is a changed athlete after his injury, with the 18-year-old’s body filling out. His new stature will help him, while his ability on the ball can never be denied.
Newcastle United could use Miley as Bruno Guimaraes cover
Miley is now back from injury, and his return comes at a time when Newcastle United still do not have direct cover for Bruno in the ‘number six’ position.
That could be Miley’s role at St James’ Park this season. He is certainly capable of playing as that central midfielder, while he is probably more likely to get minutes in that role than if he was used as an ‘eight’.
It has been reported that Miley is expected to predominantly play as a ‘number six’ in the future.
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