Former Newcastle United midfielder Jeff Hendrick believes Lewis Miley and Sean Steur have “real big potential” but insists the young midfielders must be given time to develop their game.
Hendrick, who played for the Magpies between 2020 and 2022, has been impressed by the performances of the club’s emerging stars, particularly following the summer departures of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. With former Manchester City playmaker Nico Gonzalez also added to the squad, Hendrick is excited by the options in the Newcastle engine room and is delighted to see youngsters given their chance.
Youngsters stepping up
Miley, already well established at St James’ Park, is now one of the leading candidates to start in midfield following the exits of Tonali and Guimaraes. Steur, aged just 18, has belied his lack of experience with assured performances in a black-and-white shirt and earned his first caps for the Netherlands Under-21 side during the current international break.
Gonzalez missed the win over Hull City with concussion but is expected to return to the side at Coventry City when action resumes on October 12. Miley filled in at right-back against Hull, but with Joe Willock on the scoresheet and Steur impressing, head coach Matthias Jaissle faces a tough selection decision.
Hendrick’s verdict
“It’s been a very good start for them. It’s exciting,” Hendrick told Andy’s Bet Club. “I think everyone was worried after the sales in the summer, but then you’ve got two young lads in there getting an opportunity.”
He added: “I know they brought Nico Gonzalez in as well, but there’s a bit of pressure on them. But then you look at Sean Steur, he’s come from Ajax, so he’s obviously got a good knowledge of football. Miley’s played about 80 times for Newcastle already, which is crazy.
“He’s a big lad. I know he’s got his brother in there with him now as well. I think they’ve got real big potential.”
Patience required
Hendrick warned that despite the promise shown, supporters must be patient with the young duo. “Now, I’m bigging them up there, but they’re still young, so people have to be patient with them and give them time because they are going to have dips in form. But for now, it looks really promising and exciting,” he said.
On Gonzalez, who made an instant impact on his debut against Tottenham by helping to set up Anthony Elanga’s opening goal, Hendrick said: “I think if you see interviews Nico Gonzalez has done, he loved it at Man City, but just didn’t probably get the chance he would have expected before being sold. He looks promising.
“I know he’s still relatively young as well, and that seems to be the project they’re building. But again, he’s very good technically. He’s got a bit of everything, I wouldn’t say amazing at anything, but he’s got really strong attributes and he could be a real asset for Newcastle.”
