Most players at the age of 32 enter the twilight years of their careers. Their legs get heavier and their lungs get weaker as they get closer to the end, but not James Milner. At 32, Milner is as good as he’s ever been in his career. In a squad that just played in a Champions League final, is challenging for the league this season and just spend over £140 million this summer, more than half of that spend on midfielders, Milner continues to play an integral role in Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Milner has arguably been Liverpool’s best player so far this season and is showing no signs of slowing down. Since his Premier League debut for Leeds at the age of 16 Milner has always been a valuable, reliable member of every squad he’s been in, but never being a true star. Now he’s been tasked with a much larger and important role by Klopp and he hasn’t disappointed. Let’s not forget that Milner broke Wayne Rooney and Neymar’s record for most assists in a single Champions League campaign with 9 last season. And with 2 assists and a goal to his name already this season it doesn’t look like his tank is anywhere near empty just yet.
Milner should be regarded as one of the finest the league has to offer. His technical and dribbling ability is underrated, his passing amazing and his work rate and attitude are second to none. Milner’s former Manchester City manager and current West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini put it best back in an interview in 2015. “I am Milner’s No 1 fan find me a more complete English player. There are players who are better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one.”
Against Leicester Milner showed his skill and longevity by tying David Beckham for 7th all-time assist makers in Premier League history with 80 assists while also becoming only the 4th ever player to make 100 Premier League appearances for 3 different clubs. Milner reached those milestones with Aston Villa, Manchester City and now Liverpool. Ever few players have been as good as Milner for as long as Milner has.
Milner has proven time and time again that he is vastly underrated, but finally it seems that both Liverpool and rival fans are starting to notice just how good he is. He is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
Klopp infamously said last year, after a season of playing at left back that Milner will be like a new signing as he moves him back into midfield. He was laughed at, but ever since he made that comment Milner has been incredible and integral to both Liverpool securing a place in this season Champions League and reaching last seasons final. And he will be integral to any success achieved this season too.
Whether he’s on the beach, at left back or in midfield, Milner will always give everything to the squad. A leader and role model Milner isn’t only viewed as a good squad member anymore who can fill in anywhere on the pitch when needed, but one of the stars now. He may not make the headlines, he may not win any individual awards, he may not be the most flashy or skilful player, but Milner is a fantastic player who at 32 is at the peak of his powers and somehow seems like he is only getting better and fitter. He has refused to age on the pitch and if Liverpool are to be successful this season Milner will be a key reason why. “Boring” James Milner isn’t so boring anymore, is he?
