Peyton Miller just keeps getting better.
The 18-year-old had a secondary assist in Saturday's 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire, bringing his total to seven goals and seven helpers.
While incredible, the numbers don't tell the full story of his season, as he's established new ways to be dangerous.
Pace
Known for his speed and tenacity, Miller can push his way past most defenders. Going into the weekend, he owned the second-fastest sprint speed in MLS this season (37 km/hr vs. Orlando on Sept. 19).
Watch as Miller becomes unplayable against two Chicago players after he turns on the jets. Commentator Brad Feldman's "meep, meep" accentuates the action.
Timing
Miller's pace is obvious to anyone who watches. A more nuanced observer will see his elite sense of timing.
"I think one of his highest qualities is arriving in the final third," head coach Marko Mitrovic explained this summer. "He has a natural instinct to scoring goals, which can help his game and his career, to help separate him from other players."
So many of his goals and assists have come because he's in the right place at the right time, which is an underrated skill.
His strike against Orlando is an example, as he rides the line well.
He scored a tap-in against Atlanta by lurking on a defender's back shoulder.
Before Jack Harrison's injury, the Revs procured success when the former English Premier League winger found Miller at the back post.
You see it here.
And here.
Harrison's service is elite, but Miller ability to be in the right spot and play the right ball shouldn't be overlooked.
Passing
The Revs' attack hasn't been as dynamic with Harrison and Alhassan Yusuf sidelined with injury. The early stanza of the FC Cincinnati game felt flat, as the Revs relied too heavily on Gil to lead the attack.
Then Miller took over.
The play below is perfect, as Miller takes on an opponent – something that he's gotten better at – before hitting a divine pass to Dor Turgeman.
This next clip doesn't lead to a goal, but watch how Miller wins the ball, deceives his defenders while moving forward quickly, then identifies the right pass.
As a winger or outside back, Miller tends to create through crosses. Now, he's playmaking by finding space, a benefit to both him and the Revs.
"We also saw the value of some of the final passes that he had in the midweek game [at FC Cincinnati]," assistant coach Michael Morris said. "Peyton is progressing well. He’s a guy we feel is a high-potential player. But even with those types of players, our standards and expectations of them are very high because he has a ceiling that he’s still continuing to try to reach."
Flair
Quality – and confidence – are seen in little moments, and Miller has both.
Look at the cheeky touch he had against Atlanta United.
And, of course, the meg he had against Chicago.
With each flick, trick, or take-on, Miller is becoming more unpredictable.
"His confidence is through the roof, but in a good way, not a cocky way," Brooklyn Raines said. "I think Peyton is obviously a really humble kid, but I just think in recent games, he's been showing a lot of personality.
"I think especially with this last playoff push, it's a great opportunity not only for him but everyone to show some personality. I'm very happy with how he's doing. He's getting a lot of stats, working hard, and hopefully further down the road, I can see him on the big stage."
I've long believed that the Homegrown projects as an outside back – an opinion shared by other pundits – but more take-ons like the one below could make him a permanent attacker.
Speaking of flair, Miller was apparently an impressive singer during his initiation ceremony for the U.S. Men's National Team.
"I gave him an 8 out of 10," Raines said. "It was one of the better ones. There were a few that were pretty shocking, but he did well."
Final Thoughts
Miller is an elite talent with attributes you can't teach. As such, no one should question why European teams are after his signature.
But his dedication to get better deserves attention. His improvement across so many aspects of his game over the last 12 months should give confidence that he will adjust well when he does go overseas.
“I think he’s had a great approach to the season so far," Morris said. "He’s remained humble. I think the staff has done a really good job with the individual work in terms of his development plan that we’re trying to progress him along.
"He’s definitely gained a lot of attention and it’s deserved, but it’s like his ceiling can be even higher that we want to get him to.”
