Newcastle United are once again catching the attention of football fans across Europe after an emphatic Champions League victory over Benfica at St. James’ Park.
The Magpies looked sharp, confident, and relentless, brushing aside one of Portugal’s most historic clubs in a dominant display. The win marks two consecutive triumphs in Europe’s elite competition following an opening defeat to Barcelona, and it’s exactly the kind of performance that manager Eddie Howe has been waiting for.
Despite sitting in 14th place in the Premier League with only two wins from eight matches, this result provides a much-needed spark a reminder of what Newcastle are capable of when everything clicks.
At the heart of that performance was Anthony Gordon, a player who continues to mature and evolve under Howe’s guidance.
The 24-year-old winger has been one of the club’s brightest talents since joining from Everton, and he once again showed why he’s considered one of the most exciting English players in the league.
Gordon was Newcastle’s Player of the Season in 2023/24, finishing the campaign with 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.
Despite injury setbacks within the squad and the disappointment of missing out on European qualification last term, his individual brilliance shone through.
There were moments of uncertainty when Liverpool expressed interest in the summer of 2024, reportedly considering a £100 million move, but Newcastle stood firm and it’s clear why.
While Gordon’s Premier League form this season has yet to hit its highest level, his performances in Europe have been electric. Four goals in three Champions League games speak volumes, and his latest outing against Benfica was another masterclass.
Anthony Gordon vs Benfica (Match Stats)
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 85′ |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches | 60 |
| Shots (On Target) | 4 (1) |
| Accurate Passes | 25/35 (71%) |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Crosses | 1/4 |
| Dribbles | 1/3 |
| Recoveries | 8 |
| Tackles Won | 2/3 |
| Duels Won | 7/14 |
| Source | Sofascore |
His direct play, energy, and eye for goal have made him a nightmare for defenders. Even with the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool, Gordon has stepped up to become Newcastle’s new talisman a leader by example both on and off the pitch. However, there’s another young star emerging within Eddie Howe’s squad who could soon be just as important if not more.
Lewis Miley, the teenage midfielder who grew up dreaming of wearing black and white, has been quietly establishing himself as one of England’s brightest prospects. Like Gordon, his journey hasn’t been straightforward.
The 19-year-old faced criticism earlier in the season after a few inconsistent performances, but he’s responded in the best possible way by proving his worth with composure and maturity far beyond his years.
Against Benfica, Howe deployed Miley in the number six role, sitting deep to give Bruno Guimarães the freedom to attack. It was a tactical adjustment that worked beautifully.
Miley’s calmness on the ball and positional awareness allowed Newcastle to dominate possession. He completed 90% of his passes, won both his tackles, and recovered the ball five times numbers that reflect his growing influence.
Eddie Howe was full of praise after the game, saying, “He’s come back into the team and produced two really good performances back-to-back. He’s developing his experience all the time, and I’m really pleased with him.” That kind of public endorsement from Howe shows just how much faith the manager has in his young midfielder.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig even described Miley as a player who could “become an absolute unicorn in midfield,” highlighting his blend of intelligence, technical ability, and versatility.
It’s rare to find someone his age with such maturity in decision-making, and even rarer to see that kind of consistency in big European games.
BBC pundit Pat Nevin went further, calling Miley “the next young English superstar,” a statement that carries weight given the level of young talent currently emerging across the Premier League. And the comparison to Gordon isn’t misplaced both players embody the same hunger and determination that define Howe’s Newcastle.
With Joelinton struggling for form and fitness, the door is wide open for Miley to cement his place as a key figure in this evolving Newcastle side. If he continues to grow at this rate, there’s every chance he could follow Gordon’s path overcoming early challenges and transforming into one of England’s most complete midfielders.
Newcastle’s future looks bright, built on youth, hard work, and a clear vision. Gordon remains the heartbeat of this side, but Miley might soon be its future.
Together, they represent the next great chapter of the club’s story one defined by ambition, development, and belief. And if both continue on this upward trajectory, it won’t be long before the rest of Europe starts paying even closer attention to the magic happening at St. James’ Park.
