Newcastle United youngster Lewis Miley earned praise from Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson for his efforts in Saturday’s win over Chelsea.
The 17-year-old Newcastle academy graduate made his first Premier League home start for the Magpies in the 3pm kickoff at St James’ Park.
Miley was one of the few positives during the poor defeat at Bournemouth on his full Premier League debut as a No. 6.
In Newcastle’s meeting with Chelsea, Eddie Howe opted to name Miley as the right-sided No. 8 in place of the injured Sean Longstaff.
Miley was impressive as Newcastle came in like a wrecking ball against a hapless Blues outfit on Tyneside.
He completed 21 of his 24 passes in the first half, including an outstanding assist for Alexander Isak’s opener.
Anthony Gordon passed the ball to Joelinton, who touched it to Miley on the edge of the box. He looked like he was going to take a shot, but instead threated a pass through to Isak.
The teenager’s pass took the whole Chelsea defence out and left Isak with a simple finish over Robert Sanchez.
“What a ball by Miley,” Merson said on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday.
“You think he’s going to control it and smash it but he doesn’t. A lovely ball to Isak. Brilliant play by the young kid, brilliant finish from Isak.”
Although Chelsea equalised through a superb Raheem Sterling free kick, Newcastle went on to take control in the second half.
Eddie Howe’s charges made it 2-1 on the hour mark as Jamaal Lascelles escaped the opposition defence to head Anthony Gordon’s delivery into the net.
A minute later, Thiago Silva mis-controlled Cole Palmer’s pass, allowing Joelinton to race onto the loose ball and smash past Sanchez.
Things got even worse for Chelsea as Reece James was sent off in the 73rd minute for two bookings, before Gordon added a fourth goal in the 83rd minute.
He latched onto Miguel Almiron’s ball over the top and ran through on goal before beating Sanchez with a low finish into the far corner.
Newcastle did amazing despite their depleted ranks and Miley has certainly made the most of his opportunity.
To stand out in a Premier League game against one of the traditional giants of the game at just 17 years of age is no mean feat. He looks like a star in the making.