Eddie Howe could repeat Lewis Miley masterstroke with Newcastle United wonderkid this season

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This time last year, the pre-season hype at Newcastle United was all about Lewis Miley.

At the age of 17-years-old, Lewis Miley already looked accomplished up against senior players. Age was just a number, as he held his own out in America up against top level Premier League midfielders such as Enzo Fernandez.

Bruno Guimaraes praised Miley for his efforts, while Newcastle United fans pondered if the sky really was the limit for their new teenage sensation.

That could certainly still be the case for the midfielder, who massively benefitted from a decision that Eddie Howe made last year.

• READ MORE: Who is Lewis Miley? Age, Height, Position, Salary, School, Brothers

What Eddie Howe said about Lewis Miley last summer

The more Miley excelled in pre-season, the more fans wanted to know what was next. It was clear that he was ready to play senior football, but the chance to do that at Newcastle would be limited following the big money arrival of Sandro Tonali.

Supporters pondered whether he could benefit from a loan move, but Howe quickly made it clear that a temporary exit was not on the cards for Miley.

“The plan has been consistent in my mind,” he said.

“He will stay with us this season. There’s no thought of sending him on loan. For me he’s too young to be exposed to that at the moment. I think he needs to stay with his family and to train with us and to learn and develop around the players we have.”

Keeping Miley at Newcastle was the right thing to do, and it ended up being even more beneficial.

Due to the Magpies’ injury crisis, Miley, who is now 18, played more than he could have imagined. He even started in the Champions League, creating incredible memories at the beginning of what should be an incredible career.

But even if he had not featured as much, keeping him at St James’ Park was the right thing to do.

Newcastle must do the same with Trevan Sanusi

Now Newcastle United must repeat that trick with Trevan Sanusi.

Just like Miley last year, Sanusi is the standout star of Newcastle United’s pre-season preparations. He is 17-years-old, just like Miley was, and has looked at home in the first-team.

Sanusi was very impressive against Yokohama F Marinos, and looks like a young man destined for a very bright future in black and white.

Given the amount of flicks and tricks that he has, fans will be eager to see more of him. And given his first-team exposure, Sanusi will be eager to play.

But like Miley was 12 months ago, Sanusi is too young to be sent out on loan. He is better served working with the first-team at Newcastle United, learning from Howe, his coaches and the senior players who have been there and done it.

While Newcastle’s lack of European football will mean fewer opportunities for players like Sanusi, that should not sway the Magpies’ decision. While loan moves are important, it is not what Sanusi needs right now.