Eddie Howe was full of praise for Lewis Miley after Newcastle United lost to Brighton and it could be bad news for Joelinton.
Joelinton was poor for Newcastle United against Brighton and was substituted for Miley at half time.
There are reasons to explain Joelinton’s struggles. He was a slight fitness concern before the game and had to travel around the world with Brazil over the course of the international break.
Still, it would be fair to say that the 29-year-old hasn’t been at his best in a while. Fitness may play a part in that but Newcastle United’s squad does boast some impressive strength in depth.
Miley and Jacob Ramsey offer competition in midfield for Joelinton, who no longer looks undroppable from the side.
Speaking after the game, Howe delivered his verdict on Miley’s outing.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United - Premier League
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Eddie Howe praises Lewis Miley after Newcastle United defeat
Miley is still recovering from a calf injury that ruled him out of the England U21 squad during the international break.
The Newcastle United manager revealed that the teenager hadn’t actually trained before the Brighton game due to that problem.
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Still, when asked about the 19-year-old, Howe issued a glowing verdict of the player.
“I thought all the substitutes impacted the game pretty well,” he said.
“I was very pleased with the control that he brought us. His technical work is excellent, he’s outstanding in that area and I thought he brought a composure that our midfield lacked in that first half.”
Lewis Miley stats for Newcastle United vs Brighton
The Newcastle academy graduate impressed after coming on at the break and provided the assist from which Nick Woltemade scored a brilliant goal.
In total, Miley found the mark with 97% of his attempted passes and created two chances.
Brighton vs Newcastle United statistics Lewis Miley
Minutes played 45
Touches 39
Chances created 2
Assits 1
Accurate passes 33/34 (97%)
Dispossessed 0
Recoveries 3
Ground duels won 1/1
Aerial duels won 1/1
Lewis Miley stats for Newcastle United vs Brighton, data via FotMob
He had 39 touches and did not lose the ball once, while making three ball recoveries and winning all of his duels.
To do that after not having trained during the break was very impressive. With Benfica to come to Newcastle on Tuesday, he did his chances of starting a world of good.