Miley has made an incredible impression while playing in a new role at right-back
Newcastle United’s Lewis Miley(Image: SmartFrame/News Images)
Newcastle United youngster Lewis Miley has revealed he hadn’t even trained, never mind played, as a right-back before prior to filling in there so admirably in recent weeks.
Miley, who is a midfielder by trade, was first deployed as a right-back in November as a substitute during the 2-1 defeat in Marseille in the Champions League.
But when an injury crisis saw all three of Newcastle’s right-backs Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth ruled out of action, Miley was deployed there from the start in their Carabao Cup win over Fulham last month.
Miley scored a late winner in that game and started six games in a row at right-back, keeping Livramento and Trippier out of the side during wins over Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
And the 19-year-old has opened up about how he has been able to take to a new position so seamlessly.
“I’d never played there to be honest, even when I was younger,” Miley told the matchday programme ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup clash with Bournemouth, when asked about his feelings when he was asked to fill in at right-back.
“But I got lots of help from the manager and the coaches and the other players, too, which was good. Then I just started getting used to it more.
“I didn’t really do any training sessions at right-back, to be honest. I just got straight into one of the games – it was Fulham in the Carabao Cup – and I got told I was starting at right-back. I just tried to take it in my stride.
“I’m not a nervous person, really. I’m quite laid back. I just try and take everything in my stride and learn as I go. I think it’s massive to have all the centre-backs and the players around us helping me – that’s been a big help to me in the games I’ve played so far.
“I think I was able to take it on quite quickly, because we had a game the next day. I just tried to take it all on board and tried to perform to my best.
“You’re in much more of a defensive position at right-back, even if you’re a midfielder. At right-back there are a lot more one-v-ones, and you’re sprinting more. Midfield feels like more of a team game where you’ve got mates around you.
“It is a lot different, but it’s great for me to be learning and playing in a different position.”
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