Newcastle United return from the international break with a sense of uncertainty hanging over their season. Two frustrating defeats away to West Ham and Brentford exposed problems that have been building for weeks.
The defence looked slow, midfielders struggled to control games, and the physical presence that usually defines this team seemed to fade in both London fixtures.
Joelinton, normally one of the most powerful players in the squad, has been well below his usual standard. At the London Stadium he managed only three duels won, a far cry from the energetic “machine” Kieran Trippier once praised publicly.
With Manchester City up next, Eddie Howe may need new energy in midfield. In a perfect world, that spark would have come from Elliot Anderson, the homegrown talent Newcastle let slip away.
Once a raw teenager desperate for more minutes at St James’ Park, Anderson battled injuries during his final season on Tyneside. He made only three Premier League starts before being sold, and many believed he might struggle to fulfil his potential.
Instead, he has flourished. At Nottingham Forest he has become one of the best midfielders in the league this season, even while Forest sit near the bottom of the table.
His last league performance before the break once again showed his value five duels won, seven recoveries, and complete control in a vital win over Leeds.
Anderson then shone for England during the break, completing 130 of his 136 passes across two games. Thomas Tuchel even called him “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” a comment that surely stings Newcastle supporters who watched him develop only to see him thrive elsewhere.
But while the club may regret losing Anderson, they may not have to look far for someone who could grow into the same type of player.
Newcastle cannot afford another mistake like the sale of Yankuba Minteh, who immediately exploded at Brighton after being allowed to leave. If they are not careful, they could allow a similar situation to develop with 19-year-old Lewis Miley.
Miley has already shown he belongs at senior level. Journalist Liam Kennedy recently said he is ready for “serious minutes,” and his performances have backed that up.
Whether in the Premier League, Champions League or international fixtures, Miley has played with calmness and maturity far beyond his age. His display against Benfica in Europe earned glowing praise he won every tackle, completed almost every pass, and handled the occasion with ease.
He continued his strong form with England’s U21s during the break, standing out once again. His numbers against Ireland tell the story clearly:
Lewis Miley vs Ireland U21 – Match Statistics
| Stat | Miley |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 75 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Touches | 73 |
| Accurate passes | 58/61 (95%) |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Tackles won | 1/1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 1 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Ball recoveries | 2 |
| Duels won | 3/6 |
BBC pundit Pat Nevin even described Miley as “England’s next superstar,” and on current evidence that may not be an exaggeration. His maturity mirrors the traits Anderson shows every week, but with the advantage of still being at the club.
Newcastle would love to bring Anderson back, but with Forest reportedly valuing him at more than £100 million, that move feels almost impossible.
Instead, the club may already have their new Anderson a talented midfielder with intelligence, calmness, and huge potential. Miley still has a long way to go, but he has the tools, the confidence, and the environment to become a major player for Newcastle’s future.
If the club is smart, they will nurture him carefully, give him minutes, and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Newcastle may have lost one star, but another may already be rising right in front of them.
