It was another frustrating afternoon at St James’ Park on Saturday, where missed chances and more slack defending saw us drop points at home to Bournemouth.
However, one huge positive from the game was Lewis Miley; the teenage sensation who seems to be going from strength to strength in his breakthrough season on Tyneside.
We have all seen him show composure beyond his years, which was on display again on Saturday as he took down tricky balls under pressure, skipped past challenges and played the right pass to keep things moving in midfield, but he showed another side to his game off the ball.
One thing he has sometimes lacked is aggression in the tackle or the ability to win duels, but he did both things superbly against the Cherries.
He won 12 of his 16 duels – more than any other Mag on the pitch – and made the second most tackles (6) and interceptions (2) of all Premier League players over the weekend, with only Chelsea’s Malo Gusto making more with a total of nine.
Miley has an air of calmness about his play, covers the ground well and is so reliable in possession for a player of his inexperience, yet his work off the ball was just as impressive against Bournemouth, showing what a brilliant all-round midfielder we could have on our hands.
The injuries and suspension we’ve suffered in midfield this season has cost us dearly at times, but one consolation is how it’s allowed Lewis Miley to flourish. After all, he wouldn’t be getting this same platform to shine had Tonali escaped a ban and Willock, Joelinton and Anderson stayed fit.
I’m not a fan of stats to prove a point.
I watch the game and take my opinions from that.
First of all, Miley has played well, considering his age, but it’s the “considering his age” bit at the end that qualifies that.
From the “watching” bit, he made a couple of good passes.
Let’s not get carried away and pile the pressure on the lad. He’s a 17 years who is doing OK. Let’s not forget that he’s where he is because of injury, not because he’s pushed other players aside to get there.
If I’m honest I’d have to say that we are not so much impressed because he’s so good, we’re surprised that he’s not bad, FOR A 17 YEAR OLD.
If he’s in the starting lineup when everybody’s fit, now that will be something else.
BykerBill(Quote)
Stats just back up my point. My main thoughts come from what I witnessed and he was very good.
‘He’s a 17 years who is doing OK’ is such a negative take on what’s clearly been a hugely impressive spell from him. You don’t have to think he’s the next big thing, but come on!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)