Surprised Joe Willock ahead of Lewis Miley – Matthew Raisbeck | OneFootball

Matthew Raisbeck says he was surprised that Joe Willock started ahead of Lewis Miley against Ipswich.

The absence of Joelinton meaning an enforced change last weekend.

BBC Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck says he isn’t questioning Eddie Howe’s decision making.

However, he thinks fans are keen to see more time on the pitch for Lewis Miley.

On the subject of who should play in Joelinton’s absence, BBC Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck:

“I thought Lewis Miley might have been selected on Saturday against Ipswich.

“I’m not questioning the decision but he’s so highly rated and I think we all want to see more of him.

“I’m a big fan of Joe Willock and we all want to see him get back to the level he was at two years ago when Newcastle got in the Champions League.

“He was terrific on the left side, going into the forward line.

“Because of injuries he has had a tough couple of years and hasn’t really been able to get to that level again, which is a real shame.

“Joe Willock will always be a goal threat but could Lewis Miley help Newcastle in possession against Brighton?

“Sean Longstaff’s last Premier League start was in December against Brentford, and he is not a first-choice player anymore.”

I think they are very different types of players, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock.

I thought Willock was decent against Ipswich and did a lot of running with the ball, which is one of his biggest strengths when playing well. Lewis Miley is certainly better I think when it comes to retaining possession and very cool when doing so.

However, it is still a fact that only yesterday Lewis Miley turned 19, so maybe no wonder Eddie Howe is looking after the teenager and going with the more experienced Joe Willock.

I think as well that it wasn’t really a surprise, not when you consider that Joe Willock is in most cases the first change from the bench this season in the Premier League. As well as 10 Premier League starts, Willock has been named 20 times on the bench and got on the pitch 19 times from 20. Lewis Miley only one PL start this season and named on the bench 21 times, coming on as a sub in 11 of those 21.