Newcastle United have struggled miserably with injuries this season and overall it has been a hugely frustrating campaign for them.
There are a few positives to reflect on. Alexander Isak has been in terrific form this season, and he is the leading goalscorer for the Magpies with 15 Premier League goals.
Likewise, Anthony Gordon has been superb as well. But it is the emergence of Lewis Miley that has come as a major boost for the club.
Eddie Howe was left with very little choice but to throw the 17-year-old central midfielder into the mix, and he has shown great qualities. While speaking on players who have burst onto the scene this season, Micah Richards, on The Rest Is Football podcast, mentioned Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer as standout performers.
Alan Shearer suggested that Miley has been superb, and Gary Lineker has agreed.
Shearer said: “To a lesser extent, certainly not as much as those two, the young kid at Newcastle. Lewis Miley. Only 17.
Lineker added: “Yes. Think he has done really well.
Shearer continued: “He has done really well, yeah.”
Lewis Miley has been outstanding for Newcastle
Newcastle were so ravaged by injuries at one point that Eddie Howe was forced to pick the same starting line-up for four or more games in a row.
Miley didn’t look for a single minute that he didn’t belong to this level. He is that good. After Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in September, Aaron Stokes of the Chronicle hailed Miley as “sensational”.
The youngster picked up an injury whilst on international duty last month and the Magpies are seeking specialist opinion on his back problem. Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are out for the rest of the season, while it is doubtful whether Nick Pope can return this season.
Callum Wilson, Jeolinton, Miguel Almiron, Kieran Tripper, Matt Targett, and Valentino Livramento are also currently out injured.
