Newcastle United’s rise in English football has been nothing short of remarkable. With the financial power of PIF backing them, the club could have easily gone down the path of splashing cash recklessly on flashy names, but under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have chosen a smarter route one built on structure, vision, and identity.
Their transformation has not just been about money, but about creating something sustainable, and the appointment of Howe has proven to be one of the most important decisions in the club’s modern history.
When he arrived in November 2021, Newcastle were at a crossroads. The likes of Unai Emery, Steven Gerrard, and Roberto Martinez were among the potential names linked to the managerial role, but the Magpies turned to Howe, and that single decision reshaped their future.
Since then, the former Bournemouth boss has taken the club to new heights guiding them to European football twice in three seasons and securing a historic Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool, ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
While Newcastle’s ownership has invested heavily, the club’s recruitment strategy has been incredibly disciplined.
They have focused on players who fit the system and the culture, and one of the best examples of this approach is Sandro Tonali.
In July 2023, Newcastle paid £55 million to bring Tonali from AC Milan a statement signing that captured attention across Europe. Known for his calmness on the ball, technical ability, and tactical intelligence, Tonali arrived with high expectations.
His first few months, however, were rocky. After just eight Premier League appearances, the Italian midfielder faced a lengthy suspension due to betting breaches, keeping him out of action for most of the 2023/24 season.
But Tonali’s return was worth the wait. Since rejoining the side, he has become a key figure in Howe’s tactical setup. The manager adjusted his midfield system, moving Tonali into a deeper role, allowing Bruno Guimarães more freedom to push forward and influence the attack.
That shift changed everything. Tonali’s control, passing accuracy, and positional discipline became vital to the team’s rhythm, earning him praise from pundits with Paul Scholes even describing him as the best midfielder in England.
Here’s a look at Tonali’s impact across two seasons:
| Position | Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points Per Game (PPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Midfield (CM) | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 1.66 |
| Defensive Midfield (DM) | 36 | 23 | 2 | 11 | 1.97 |
These numbers reflect not only Tonali’s growing influence but also how effective he has become when deployed as a deep-lying midfielder.
Howe’s belief in developing players to fit his tactical model continues to pay off and that same approach is now being applied to one of Newcastle’s brightest homegrown stars, Lewis Miley.
At just 19 years old, Miley represents the next generation of Newcastle talent. A product of the club’s academy, he’s already earned the admiration of supporters and the trust of his manager.
Calm under pressure, confident on the ball, and unafraid to make his mark in physical battles, Miley has shown all the qualities of a complete midfielder. His ability to read the game and deliver precise passes makes him a natural fit for Howe’s system.
Miley’s rise hasn’t been easy. Injuries and early criticism have tested his resolve, but Eddie Howe has publicly backed his young star, condemning what he called “unjustified criticism” and promising to protect him as he continues to develop.
Despite these challenges, Miley has already made over 50 senior appearances, contributing seven direct goal involvements and proving that he belongs at the top level.
Football pundit Pat Nevin recently described Miley as “the next young English superstar,” praising his composure and strength in possession.
That’s high praise for someone still in his teens, but those who watch him closely see a maturity beyond his years. His intelligence, work ethic, and technical skill hint at a future that could mirror the rise of Tonali.
What makes Miley’s development so exciting is the environment he’s growing in. Surrounded by top professionals and guided by a manager who prioritizes player development, he’s in the perfect place to evolve. Howe has already turned talented individuals into elite-level players and if Miley continues on his current path, he could very well become Newcastle’s English version of Tonali.
The parallels between the two are clear: both intelligent midfielders with strong tactical awareness, a desire to improve, and the confidence to control games.
Tonali has become the heartbeat of Newcastle’s midfield, and Miley is showing signs of being the next in line to carry that responsibility.
Newcastle’s journey under Eddie Howe has been about more than just money or results it’s been about rediscovering identity, building for the future, and nurturing talent.
With Tonali setting the standard and Miley rising fast, the Magpies could be looking at a midfield partnership that defines their next decade.
In Lewis Miley, Newcastle don’t just have another academy graduate they have a player with the potential to be England’s next superstar, a young midfielder who could one day lead the Toon to even greater heights.
