27 July 2023 , 08:34
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Eddie Howe has branded Newcastle teenage midfielder Lewis Miley one of the best kids he’s ever seen.
The young Geordie was given a starring role in Newcastle's pre-season draw against Chelsea and was outstanding - despite being flanked by team mates Joelinton and Sandro Tonali who cost £95million.
Miley is developing fast, and Howe will reject any loan offers and keep him with his squad with a pledge that he will get minutes on the pitch this season. The tall, rangy holding midfielder, has burst into Howe’s squad this pre-season, and will save the club cash if Howe can unlock his full potential.
Howe said: “If you didn't know his age, you wouldn’t say he was 17. He’s not surprised me because I’d seen for six months at the back end of last season just how well he was developing and how strong he looked in the group.
“Physically it’s always the biggest test for someone so young but he is a very good athlete, strong, a good size. He looks like he can handle the environment he’s in. The next step for us is to push him. I’m sure he’ll get minutes this year.
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"The plan has been consistent in my mind. There are no thoughts about sending him on loan, he’s too young to be exposed to that at the moment. He needs to stay with his family and learn and develop around the players we have.
"I’ve coached some really good players at that age that you think could go on and have exceptional careers but sometimes that doesn’t happen for whatever reason.
Lewis Miley impressed during the draw with Chelsea“The biggest challenge for Lewis will be mentally. He’s going to get a lot of coverage from this moment and a lot of exposure. It’s handling and dealing with that. It’s then waiting for his opportunity while keeping his head.
“He’ll have lots of people in his ear. All those things contribute to how you handle success and when it comes really early it can be really difficult. We’ll try and help, guide and educate him as best we can. You’re looking at their age but also what they can deliver. It’s a fine balance for me to protect him at times and push him at others.”
Howe is weighing up a tough decision over whether he can start both Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali early in the season.
He says big transfer fees wont guarantee his players a start. Asked if he will play both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes next season, he said: “There is no guarantee for any player. I have to pick a team I think will win.
“My selection is not based on transfer fees or who we have signed. I have proved that previously. It is about at that moment who is in the best physical and mental condition to perform and help us win.
“Those are my decisions leading up to the Aston Villa game. Sandro is happy inside. He greets me with a smile every morning and has been very good with team mates and built some good friendships already. I have no concerns about his happiness.
"I think it takes time with every new player. There is an adaptation period especially for players who come from different leagues. Sandro will have experienced a higher intensity and quality of opposition during the last two games. He's getting used to our style and his teammates."