Newcastle United’s midfield underwent a dramatic transformation this summer following the £100 million (€115 million) departure of Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur, but the early signs under Matthias Jaissle have been surprisingly encouraging.
Lewis Miley has been central to that transition, starting Newcastle’s opening two Premier League games before coming face-to-face with Tonali in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Tottenham.
Former Magpies manager Alan Pardew, appearing on talkSPORT’s “The Final Word,”
made clear he believes Newcastle may ultimately have made an inspired decision by cashing in on the Italian while creating a bigger role for its academy graduate.
“I want to speak about Miley. They have sold Tonali, and I want you to ask me if I’d rather have Tonali or Miley,” Pardew said on talkSPORT’s The Final Word.
When presenter Natalie Sawyer posed that question, Pardew did not hesitate.
“Miley, all day long,” Pardew said. “He’s young, he’s quick, and he’s got great technique. He’s got great temperament, and I think he is going to be around for the next ten years, and I think he is going to play for England.”
Miley certainly strengthened Pardew’s argument in North London. The 20-year-old completed the entire match alongside £48 million (€55 million) signing Nico Gonzalez as Newcastle earned Jaissle’s first Premier League victory.
Tonali, meanwhile, was substituted before the end and jeered by the traveling Newcastle supporters as he departed. Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi subsequently acknowledged that the former Magpie is not yet in his best physical condition.
Pardew believes Newcastle may have recognized Miley was ready for an expanded role when deciding to sanction Tonali’s blockbuster departure.
“He was outstanding yesterday for a young player, so Newcastle might have done some really good business,” Pardew said.
“That is something they might have known in that camp, I am sure Eddie Howe knows it, that Miley could be better than Tonali. It feels like they’ve moved Tonali on and are letting the young lad spread his wings.”
Miley has already accumulated significant senior experience despite only turning 20 this year, and Jaissle publicly praised him as a “true, true talent” during preseason.
It is far too early to judge Newcastle’s decision solely on two league games, but banking £100 million while opening a pathway for one of the club’s most promising academy products could eventually look like exceptional business if Pardew’s prediction proves correct.
Would you rather have Miley in Newcastle’s midfield for the next decade or Tonali in the team today? Let us know where you stand in the comments.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account at Coming Home Newcastle and get:
- Create community posts on The Feed for everyone to read
- Comment on all articles and community posts
- Rec comments and community posts
- Enjoy a new, improved notifications system
- Fewer ads
