Newcastle United probably has broken their decision to sell Academy alumni Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest last summer. England International, which closed for the first time last week, moved from his boyhood club to East Midlands for reasons related to PSR.
Still, he strengthened his strength on the city grounds. This is evidence of his ability that Newcastle fans have undoubtedly seen at St. James Park. The talent was summarised by Thomas Touchel, who handed the youngster his English debut against Andorra last week.
Having Anderson along with midfield options like Sandro Tonari, Bruno Guimarès and Jollington would have been a great depth for Eddie Howe. That being said, it gives the new academy stars the opportunity to break through after someone like Lewis Miley.
Miley’s Newcastle career so far
It’s easy to forget that England Under 1 International Miley is just 19 years old. He has been in and out of St James Park’s first team frame for many years since his first debut in the 2022/23 campaign.
In total, the Stanley-born midfielder played 49 games for his boyhood club.
He managed to get himself three times on the scoresheet and tipped with four assists along the way.
Of course, it was not easy for Miley to establish herself in the magpie midfield with the aforementioned quality. But his versatility may work in his favor, given that he played as No. 6 and is played in the role of No. 8 of his preference.
The youngster struggled with injuries and missed the backend of the 2023/24 campaign and the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Since then he has not been able to break into the side under Howe.
It is still unclear whether Miley will be Newcastle’s new Anderson, but for now it doesn’t seem like he will be able to establish himself in the starting lineup. Instead, another teenage star at the club might be Newcastle to replace Anderson.
Elliot Anderson next in Newcastle
There must be something in the air in Newcastle as they developed two young academy midfielders Anderson and Miley. Now, next on that list is 19-year-old Alfie Harrison, a versatile midfielder from Manchester.
Described as the “making star” by football writer Thomas Hammond, Harrison has been shining for the under-21 youth team of magpies after originally passing through the ranks in Manchester City.
After playing under 21 football in 2023/24, Harrison received his best campaign last season. The Manknian midfielder, who has his first team number 44 at St. James Park, played 20 games in Premier League 2, scoring three times to support the seven.
He also excels in the EFL trophies. The 19-year-old has created three chances in his first competition with Hudders Field Town this season, winning two ground duels and one tackle, showing his amazing all-round ability.
One of the outstanding features of his game is the versatility he offers. He is a trade midfielder, but Harrison can also run widely.
Harrison’s U21 Records | ||
|---|---|---|
position | game | g/a |
Central midfield | 15 | 6 |
Attacks midfield | 8 | 6 |
Right wing | 4 | 1 |
The middle part of the 1st | 2 | 2 |
(Minimum 45 minutes play) | ||
Statistics from TransferMarkt | ||
Losing Anderson has certainly been a big blow for the Magpie, but perhaps Howe decides to unleash the players at some stage this season with Harrison’s creative talent.
He certainly adds quality to the ball, just like their former midfielder.
Miley is certainly a great option for Howe to have inside and around the team, but perhaps a player with Harrison’s skill can jump over him and become the new Anderson soon.