Newcastle United's imminent signing of Amar Dedic is set to have a significant impact on Lewis Miley's role in the squad, allowing the talented midfielder to focus on his preferred position rather than being deployed as a makeshift right-back.
The Magpies have agreed a £30m deal with Benfica for the Bosnian international, who is completing the formalities of the move before joining his new team-mates for a full week of training. Dedic is expected to be part of the squad for the opening Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.
Dedic's arrival solves right-back issue
With Tino Livramento unlikely to be ready for the opener, Dedic is set to be handed his chance at right-back. He is already match fit, having played for Benfica in their Europa League qualifying matches this summer.
The move comes after a pre-season that saw Newcastle forced to use several players at right-back, with some positive results. Leo Shahar has shown he can build on his Under-21s promise, while the emergence of 17-year-old Mason Miley has been a standout, impressing against Valencia, Everton and Leverkusen.
Lewis Miley's midfield focus
However, it is Lewis Miley who may be most relieved by Dedic's arrival. Had Newcastle gone into the Liverpool game without a recognised right-back, Lewis would likely have been asked to fill in, a role he performed with aplomb last season.
While Miley's versatility is a positive for the club, he is better off focusing on his midfield duties. He has the tools to become a major player this term but faces competition in Jaissle's new-look formation, which appears to favour a 4-2-3-1 set-up with only two central midfield spots available.
Miley has seen Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba arrive at the club, and another midfielder is expected before deadline day. Even in a 4-3-3, places will be fiercely contested, making it crucial that he can focus on winning and keeping his place.
With huge excitement over what he can achieve in a black-and-white shirt, Lewis Miley should be one of the first to shake Amar Dedic's hand.
