Newcastle United talent Lewis Miley has drawn comparison to a Premier League legend from manager Eddie Howe this morning.

Over the last few weeks, Howe has sung the praises of the 18-year-old on multiple occasions, with Miley making his presence felt against Nottingham Forest with a goal, some composed passing and plenty of dirty work off the ball.

The Magpies manager singled out the midfielder as the one “big positive” for his second half cameo in the disappointing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City, insisting Miley has the ability and attitude to become “anything he wants to be.”

Today, Howe’s latest comments on the rising star have compared the tall teenager to a legend at Anfield who knew a thing or two about scoring goals and driving his team on from midfield.

Miley compared to Liverpool legend

Lewis Miley has drawn comparisons to Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard after Sunday’s combative and high-quality display against Nottingham Forest.

The teenager’s goal in front of the Gallowgate End on Sunday capped off another impressing outing, with Miley no longer looking like a boy playing in a man’s team after filling out following his return from injury.

Speaking to the media this morning, Howe said: “He now has the look of a guy in his early 20s. He’s filled out, looks strong, is quicker.

“Steven Gerrard is a great one to look at. Same frame as Lewie…he had that yard of pace and could go box to box and score goals. It’s great to see Lewie contribute goals.

“Lewis can be anything he wants to be, in the respect that he could really take his position, solidify that position and be there for a number of years. Obviously, you need to have that little bit of luck, staying injury free.

“He has all the technical capabilities and mental capabilities. He can do a bit of everything, he has the running capacity, he is very composed in training, he is one of the best technical players that we have. I see a bright future for him.”

The maturity of his performances have brought into question just how high the potential is for the lad from Stanley, with no doubt he is in capable hands with Howe overseeing his development. However, there are some far from straightforward decisions for the Toon gaffer to make over the season’s run-in…

The battle ahead

Captain Bruno Guimaraes was supported by Miley and Joe Willock against Forest following injuries to Sandro Tonali, who featured from the bench, and Joelinton, who is “close” to a return against Liverpool.

If all were available, it is likely Miley would be reduced to minutes from the bench despite his performances in recent weeks, although it’s clear the youngster is working his way up Howe’s midfield pecking order.

It can easily be assumed both the teen talent and Willock are ahead of Sean Longstaff, who didn’t feature against Forest, with Miley competing with the ex-Arsenal man Willock for minutes. 

Qualification for European football seems to be in our hands based on current UEFA standings. With fifth spot in the Premier League set to be enough for Champions League football next season and a place in one of the European competitions likely, it’s a great sign to have competition for places and options on the bench.