Eddie Howe will soon have a decision to make regarding Newcastle United wonderkid Lewis Miley.
The 19-year-old has been one of Newcastle United’s best players in recent weeks, which is remarkable when you consider he has been playing in defence rather than midfield.
Lewis Miley has been excellent at right-back, having been forced to play out of position in the absence of Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.
Massive injury boost! But what does this mean for Lewis Miley? 👀
However, the youngster will not be required to play there much longer. Ahead of Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, Eddie Howe confirmed that Livramento and Trippier are close to returning.
That is a seismic boost for the Magpies, but it does threaten Miley’s position in the starting XI.
Newcastle United should keep Lewis Miley at right-back vs Crystal Palace
Long-term, Miley is not going to play at right-back for Newcastle United. However, it should be his position for just one more game.
Howe will undoubtedly be tempted to play Livramento or Trippier at right-back if they are passed fit, but their returns should be delayed until Leeds at the earliest.
Given how well Miley has done in his new role, Howe has the luxury of giving Livramento and Trippier a little bit longer to recover. That should eliminate the risk of any setbacks, while it also rewards Miley for the way he has adapted to playing in defence.
It is a reward he richly deserves, having shown incredible maturity despite being so young.
The XI we think Eddie Howe will name against Crystal Palace – what changes would you make? ⚫⚪
DISCLAIMER: I’m not saying he SHOULD name this XI….
Midfield return will be Lewis Miley’s priority
In the coming weeks, we will see normality restored at right-back with either Livramento or Trippier.
For Miley, he will be able to focus his attention back on becoming a mainstay in the Newcastle United midfield.
The opportunity is still there for him, despite Joelinton playing well against Burnley. If the Brazilian enforcer cannot find consistency then Miley feels well positioned to displace him again.
There is also the issue of Sandro Tonali’s form, with the midfield maestro dropping his levels in recent weeks.
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