Jack Wilshere has praised James Milner’s ability to consistently perform at the highest level.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former England midfielder explained what makes The Reds vice-captain such an asset.
“He is the best at doing the fundamentals, the basics. The running, the tackling,” said Wilshere when asked if you ever get a 10/10 performance from Milner.
“If I’m playing against him in midfield, he’s taking me places that I don’t want to go and he does that consistently. I mean, he’s done it for 800 games and he’s still going, it’s unbelievable.”
Wilshere’s insight is interesting given that he would have played against Milner many times during his career.
The two also played and trained together for England. Given that experience, Wilshere’s opinion on Milner is worth listening to.
800 and counting
Milner’s late cameo at the San Siro on Wednesday night was his 800th career appearance.
275 of those have now come whilst playing for Liverpool. Although he has only started 10 games for Jurgen Klopp this season, he has often been the player that the manager turns to when needing to see out a result late on.
The fact that he has 15 further appearances from the bench this season illustrates that point.
A new contract on the horizon
Milner’s contract is due to expire at the end of the current season. Now aged 36 and seeing less game time than in previous years, it feels like it could be the right time to part ways with the vice-captain.
Despite that, there have been reports that Liverpool are looking to tie Milner down to a new deal (Sky Sports).
It’s possible that any new contract could include a more senior role. Klopp has previously said that Milner isn’t retiring any time soon, but it would make sense to bring him into the coaching fold.
His value to Klopp’s team behind the scenes has never been in question. The manager has even admitted that the Yorkshireman sometimes takes the last minute team talks in the dressing room before a game.
Milner’s abilities as a footballer are sometimes unfairly called into question. But testimonies like Wilshere’s show just how respected he is by those who have played against or alongside him.
New contract or no new contract, few can argue that the man who has now been a Premier League player for 20 years hasn’t been fundamental to Liverpool’s recent success.
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