BBC pundit says Newcastle have a 17-year-old who’s a ‘massive’ talent

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Newcastle United midfielder Lewis Miley has been described by BBC Sport pundit James McFadden as a “massive” player for the Magpies.

The Newcastle academy graduate has risen to prominence this season, breaking into the Magpies first-team and slotting seamlessly into top-level football.

Miley doesn’t turn 18 until next May, but he has already clocked up eight competitive appearances for Newcastle, including two in the Champions League.

As per OptaJoe, Miley is the sixth youngest player in Premier League history to start four consecutive games. This is after Cesc Fabregas, Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney, Nigel Quashie and Gareth Barry.

Newcastle prodigy Lewis Miley is a ‘massive’ talent

In Newcastle’s trip to Everton, Miley once again displayed confidence beyond his years. He delivered some great touches of the ball and made plenty of composed, accurate passes under pressure.

“You wouldn’t know Miley is 17 years old,” McFadden said on Radio 5 Live, via the BBC Sport website. “His stature, his confidence, his decision-making. He’s just slotted into the Newcastle midfield.

“When you’ve got a club that is on the up and are going to spend money in the long run, to bring through an academy player is massive for them. It shows there is a pathway for young players.”

Sadly, Miley’s efforts couldn’t help Newcastle from slipping to a loss at Goodison Park. The Toffees made the most of two rare Kieran Trippier mistakes to strike late on.

Then, deep into injury time, Beto got a third for Everton. This made sure of all three points for the hosts and sent Newcastle back to St James’ Park empty-handed.

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The Magpies have struck gold with Miley. He is a once-in-a-generation talent who looks set to have a bright future in the game.

Most 17-year-olds in football tend to play for the Under-18s. A select few will be deemed good enough to play for the Under-21s. And once in a blue moon, you get a player like Miley, who is Premier League level already.