Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Oliver Skipp is a big fan of Liverpool vice-captain James Milner.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report that the 21-year-old Spurs man ‘looks up’ to Milner for his dedication, athleticism and maturity.
Both have similar playing styles as central midfielders and Skipp reportedly uses the Liverpool man as an inspiration for this.
Making the most of Milner
There are undoubtedly some within the Liverpool fanbase who are ready for Milner’s Anfield farewell. He can sometimes be seen as an unfashionable player who is no longer offering what others do.
That always feels a little unfair when you consider what his role is within Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
The 36-year-old’s contract is ticking towards its conclusion this summer. No public talks of an extension have been forthcoming, which may mean that it will soon be a case of not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone for Liverpool fans.
Milner has been a terrific servant for Liverpool over the last seven years, as he has been for every club he represented before that. If he is to leave this summer, he should receive a goodbye fitting of his acheivements.
Creating a lasting legacy
Milner’s leadership has been a key part of instilling a winning culture within the club under Klopp. Prior to the Premier League title win in 2020, Milner was the only player in The Reds squad to have won the trophy before.
As Skipp’s admiration attests to, Liverpool’s number 7 is a Premier League legend. He may not have the showreel of some, but he has almost 600 games and three league titles with two different clubs under his belt.
That he is still influencing players 15 years his junior is testament to the ability and longevity of the Yorkshireman. Skipp obviously has similarities to Milner. During his loan spell at Norwich City last season, Daniel Farke went as far as calling him ‘brilliant’ via lastwordonsports.com.
If the youngster goes on to have even half the career of Milner, he’ll have done well.
Others have taken the headlines across his Liverpool career. But when all is said and done, you don’t get anywhere without a few James Milner’s in your squad.
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