Get up close to Lewis Miley, and he doesn’t seem old enough to be polishing boots. But observe him from a distance, and you’ll realize that very few could match his level.
At just 17, he doesn’t resemble a player with potential; he looks like a player fully in the moment, something Newcastle crucially needed last Saturday.
Miley was meant to be taking a break after seven consecutive starts during the squad’s injury crisis. However, as frustration grew and a 10-man Fulham team fought for a draw, substitute Miley pulled his team out of trouble. His debut senior goal made him the youngest-ever Premier League scorer for his beloved club — a peculiar feat considering he’s still so young.
In fact, he’s spent more time as a ballboy at St James’ Park than as a player, though that’s rapidly changing.
Miley’s rise has been the remedy for the squad’s injury woes, but it’s not down to sheer luck. The midfielder was always destined to shine, his name a topic of discussion in football circles, not just in the North-East but beyond.
What’s surprised many is how well-prepared he is for Premier League football, and even more so, for the Champions League. He stood out in Paris recently, sharing the pitch with Kylian Mbappe, and he grabbed his first European assist against AC Milan last week.
While Eddie Howe acknowledges Miley’s goal-scoring prowess, it’s not his most evident skill. Sometimes, though, a player is so exceptional that scoring goals becomes a natural extension of their abilities. Consider Jude Bellingham. With time, Miley could evolve into an attacking midfielder making a similar impact.
It’s not just about talent; it’s mentality that sets apart players like Miley and Bellingham from their peers. It’s a maturity that allows a teenager to step into a grown-up’s game and appear like the most experienced player on the field. Miley possesses that self-assurance and calmness, evident in his composed finish at the Gallowgate End when the pressure was on.
An observer from Mail Sport, from an older generation, likened him to Duncan Edwards over the weekend. Edwards debuted for England at 18. Could Miley surpass that? It’s plausible, but it’ll require him to maintain this level of performance for the rest of the season and gain exposure with England’s Under 21s.
However, it’s inevitable. The boy with the youthful face isn’t taking baby steps anymore; these are substantial strides. It won’t be long before he’s filling boots that others simply can’t.
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