Liverpool’s most experienced midfielders’ contract is up at the end of the season and according to rumours, he might be heading back to his boyhood club Leeds United. But why should the Reds prioritise keeping the 33-year-old at the club a little longer?
James Milner first arrived at Anfield in 2015 having been let go by Manchester City after winning two Premier League titles with the Sky Blues; and in the five seasons since his switch, Milner has become an integral part of the Red’s squad. Part of the reason he is such an asset to Jurgen Klopp is his versatility as the Englishman can play in central midfield, on either wing and has covered at full-back on multiple occasions. Alongside Milner’s positional resourcefulness, the 33-year-old is an outstanding dressing room influence by all accounts, an experienced head with a dry sense of humour, who sets a perfect example for others to follow.
Milner has been a consummate professional throughout his career who, unlike any other member of the Liverpool squad, knows what it takes to win the Premier League. Though his wealth of experience covers all reaches of the English top-flight with the midfielder having played for five different clubs, across 21 seasons, making 526 Premier League appearances, putting him sixth highest on the all-time list, and the only player in the top ten who is still active. But due to the outstanding condition he has kept his body in, there are no signs of Milner slowing down yet.
Two seasons ago he broke the record for the highest number of assists in a Champions League campaign, proving his attacking worth at the pinnacle of the European game as he helped Liverpool considerably in the competition. The midfielder followed that feat up by becoming the seventh-highest assist provider in Premier League history with 81, a sign of his longevity at in the top flight.
If Liverpool weren’t already convinced, it would be wise to have Milner hang around beyond the summer and they should look no further than his record of never having lost a game in which he’s scored, which currently stands at 54 wins, to support this theory. A lucky charm who’s showing no signs of ageing, while giving the younger players at the side the benefits of his experiences, should not be undervalued.
