Perhaps the only silver lining from Newcastle United’s injury crisis was the breakthrough season of academy star Lewis Miley.
Only Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff made more appearances than Lewis Miley last season with the 18-year-old midfielder becoming a key player under Eddie Howe.
Miley made 17 consecutive Premier League appearances in the middle of last season after being introduced to the first-team, while he also starred in the Champions League, featuring against Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
However, he unfortunately joined the huge list of injured players in March after suffering a back injury while away on international duty with England’s Under-20s.
The setback ruled Miley out for the rest of the season and Newcastle’s plan was to use Miley more “sparingly” this season after his heavy workload in 2023-24.
Miley is set to return to the first-team picture in October and his former teammate Michael Ndiweni has reminded fans what they have been missing.
Michael Ndiweni praises Lewis Miley
Ndiweni and Miley played alongside each other in the academy setup having grown up together as boyhood Newcastle fans.
Ndiweni made his debut for Newcastle last season in the 4-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park – a game where Miley played the full 90 minutes in central midfield.
However, he left Newcastle this summer after spending eight years with the club, with Lewis Miley responding to his farewell message on Instagram.
Ndiweni has now spoken about Miley’s potential and tipped his former teammate to reach the very top.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Ndiweni said: “He’s terrific. Even against Chelsea and PSG, those were two top performances against huge clubs.
“I’ve known him for five years and to see his development and see him play against top players put into perspective how good a player he is and how much he has improved.
“He’s such a special player and I believe he can make it to the top. He’s got such a mature head and the way he plays for such a young player, the only way is up for him.
“He’s got very good technical ability. When you add maturity and calmness on the ball, that’s what you see in the top-level number sixes. They all play with a certain calmness and he’s got that. He knows the right pass, when to pass it, when to receive it and when to ask for the ball.”
Lewis Miley will add to a brilliant Newcastle midfield
Miley’s breakthrough season was incredible and an injury was the only thing that could slow him down.
With Sandro Tonali returning from his betting suspension, Newcastle now boast an incredible midfield department that also includes Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
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Once Miley returns to fitness, Eddie Howe will be able to welcome him back into the first team without having to rely on him week-in, week-out like last season.
Newcastle should push to go as far as possible in the cup competitions this season as well as the Premier League, and Miley will have a big role to play as the games come thick and fast.
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