It was in all probability overshadowed by a 4-0 win that includes a superb Alexander Isak hat-trick and Jacob Murphy’s gorgeous help, however an enormous optimistic from Saturday’s sport at Ipswich was Lewis Miley’s return.
After lacking the again finish of 2023/24 and all of pre-season as a result of again and foot accidents, it was his first Premier League outing for a very long time however he regarded like he’d by no means been away in a formidable 15-minute cameo.
Slicing a mature determine on the pitch, Saturday was a reminder that the gifted teenager is not only a gifted footballer however one with the best body for a box-to-box midfielder.
Talking to the media at his final press convention earlier than Christmas, Eddie Howe spoke in depth about Miley’s return to motion and his improvement; not simply as a participant however as a younger man rising into his 6ft 3′ physique.
The 18-year-old has placed on a little bit of muscle mass in current months – a mixture of laborious work and his our bodies pure improvement – and Howe believes he can progress even additional:
“I feel he’s (Miley) dealing with himself very well,” stated Howe. “He’s coaching nicely behind the scenes. I feel we’ve tried to be actually cautious with him and ensure there’s been no reoccurrence of his damage.
“For somebody so younger, with the bodily calls for he confronted final yr, we felt that this yr we would have liked to handle and respect that, and ensure we gave him the absolute best probability of staying match and take care of him at such an early stage of his profession.
“However he’s trying good now. Bodily, I’d say he’s trying stronger than final yr. He’s labored laborious within the fitness center, and his physique is popping into a person’s physique. I’m actually happy along with his progress.”
“Bodily, he’s undoubtedly in a significantly better place than he was, and that’s simply via the event of his muscle mass and his physique as he will get into that transition section from 17 to 18,” stated Howe. “It’s an enormous age for any younger man.
“Technically and tactically, I feel he’ll naturally enhance due to simply turning into a bit wiser and streetwise concerning the sport. However he’s nonetheless acquired the identical qualities, I’ve seen that in coaching – his passing vary, his calmness on the ball. His choice making, for such a younger participant, actually units him aside.
“I’d like to assume he’ll be in a very good place. After all, he’ll want video games to seek out his rhythm, and that’s going to be tough to ensure him in the mean time with the power of our midfield. However he’s actually going to play a component within the quick time period and long-term future for us, he’s such an necessary participant.”
Accidents within the preliminary levels of their profession have seen numerous gamers fail to succeed in their potential, so the power of the primary crew seeing minutes prone to be irregular for Miley may fit in his favour long run.
He’ll stay across the first crew although, with Howe beforehand confirming a mortgage deal in January will not be going to occur.
It wasn’t simply the bodily stature of Miley that was credited by his supervisor, with Howe an admirer of the midfielder’s maturity as he blends in nicely with a longtime squad stuffed with senior execs.
“I wouldn’t say they’re taking him below their wing,” Howe stated. “I feel Lewie himself could be very mature for his age. I feel he’s handled as a person participant now, like a correct participant,” stated Howe.
“Nobody has needed to take him below their wing due to how he’s dealt with himself. He’s not wanted that reassuring presence above him. He’s very particular person, however very strong-willed.
“I feel there’s plenty of respect there, internally, in our midfield. You have a look at the gamers, and the qualities of the six midfielders we now have in the mean time carry, there’s wholesome competitors.
“I feel as a lot as they’ll have a look at Lewie and assume, ‘We need to assist and take care of him’, they’ll additionally know that he’s snapping at their heels, desirous to take their place.”
Given how nicely he instantly adjusted to first crew soccer, it’s little shock to listen to credit score for Miley’s psychological fortitude – a trait that hopefully sees him transfer on rapidly from his time on the sidelines.