'He deserves...' - Bruno Guimaraes cannot believe what one player is doing at Newcastle United
Bruno Guimaraes has taken Lewis Miley under his wing at Newcastle United.
Bruno Guimaraes believes Lewis Miley can make a shock inclusion in England’s squad for the World Cup.
Miley has started Newcastle United’s past six Premier League games and arguably been their star man. That is despite being asked to deputise at right-back since the defeat to Sunderland.
Events in the game against Leeds United saw the 19-year-old feature at right-back, centre-back and in midfield as Newcastle earned a thrilling 4-3 win. Miley has taken his chance when called upon and is now a vital option for Eddie Howe.
Bruno Guimaraes backs Lewis Miley for World Cup
Speaking to the club’s matchday programme, Guimaraes backed Miley to become a shock inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer. The Brazilian has taken the youngster under his wing since he broke into the first-team squad two years ago.
“Lewis Miley - what a player,” Guimaraes said. “I didn’t know he could play centre-back! I think he deserves to go to the World Cup with England if he keeps his levels like this, because he can play in every position and put in top-class performances.
When I was 19, I wasn’t even playing in the first team on a regular basis, while Lewis is putting in displays like that week after week in the Premier League. I am proud of him. We know we can count on him wherever he plays.”
Eddie Howe on Lewis Miley position
Following the win over Leeds, Howe discussed Miley’s adaptability and revealed he had previously worked on his abilities as a defender. He told reporters: "I still see his long term position in midfield but we will use him wherever the team needs as long as Lewis is comfortable with that and at the minute he is happy to play anywhere to help the team.
He was outstanding going into centre-half the other day. We have trained him there a few times over the last couple of years so we knew he could do a job in there. We sprung being a full-back on him and that was the positive surprise"