NafisaLewis Miley’s inner belief is what is helping him save Newcastle United’s season, according to Eddie Howe.
Miley scored his third goal of the season as Newcastle United beat Fulham 2-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
While it wasn’t exactly a vintage performance from Howe’s side, cup progress is all that mattered after Sunday’s miserable defeat at Sunderland.
Who was your MOTM against Fulham? For what it’s worth, I thought Jacob Ramsey was very good 😍😍
While Miley is a central midfielder by trade, he was needed at right-back and that may be set to continue.
Indeed, Tino Livramento suffered another knee injury during the win over Fulham, while Lewis Hall missed the game due to a minor hamstring issue.
Failing to beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup would have sent Newcastle plunging into a crisis but, thankfully, Miley stepped up with a late header to send his side into the semi-finals.
It was a big moment for the Newcastle academy graduate, who certainly seems to believe he belongs at this type of level.
Eddie Howe says Lewis Miley genuinely believes he’s made for elite level
Naturally, the Newcastle United manager was asked about the 19-year-old after the game.
Howe talked of how much information Miley had to take on board ahead of his shift at right-back, something he clearly did rather well.
He also added, with a smile, that the teenager was convinced in his own abilities at the highest level.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe said: “He hasn’t played right-back a lot, and he had to take on a lot of information this morning, but he did really, really well.
“Capped off with the goal, really. It was a great finish from him.”
Howe added: “He’s here on merit, that’s an obvious statement. But I think he believes he’s more than good enough to play at this level.
“And not just play but excel and I think we’re seeing that now. I think he’s taking his game to another level.”
How much do you think Lewis Miley would now be worth in the transfer market? ⭐
He should be an outside bet for England’s World Cup squad!
Newcastle United experts are in complete agreement about Lewis Miley
Anthony Gordon is a man well-versed in making great strides under Howe.
While the England international is currently struggling, he’s someone who has developed under Howe’s watch.
Gordon believes that Miley is improving at Newcastle, and he’s not the only one.
Indeed, Howe thinks Miley is maturing into a better player and it’s difficult to disagree.
Gordon and Howe will have seen a lot more from him in training, so they are certainly well-placed to comment.
The sky really is the limit for him now. There haven’t been many bright spots this season but Miley is certainly looking like one of them.
Nafisa
Mustapha Sheidu