James Milner has claimed that he simply never knows what position he will be playing in for Liverpool.
Speaking to liverpoolfc.com, Milner said that he always asks the Liverpool manager whenever he’s subbed on in a game.
“I know my role this year isn’t going to be playing every minute but it’s when needed and where needed fill that gap and make an impact and do what you can,” said the 36-year-old.
“I need to make sure I’m ready for that and it could be in a number of positions as well. It’s one of those, you’re coming on and then I have to ask what position I’m going on so it could be a few, but that’s what I’m ready for and something that I want to contribute as much as I can.”
Liverpool’s jack-of-all-trades masters them all
It really is handy having a player as versatile as Milner in the squad. Not only can he fill in in a variety of positions, but his attitude at having to do so is exemplary.
Perhaps he moans privately about having to play left or right-back quite so frequently. But in public, he couldn’t be more committed.
Milner doesn’t just fully commit with his words either, but in his performances on the pitch, too. How often do you come away from a Milner display at full-back with him as one of the top performers on the day?
Hopefully the veteran isn’t asked to play the position on Monday evening against Crystal Palace. He may be a capable and dependable full-back, but Wilfred Zaha has given him a torrid time once or twice.
Thankfully, both Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold look to be fully fit and ready to go.
You can bet that if anything should happen to either of them though, Milner would be ready to step in and give it his all.
There are one or two who may feel that Milner is no longer needed at Liverpool. But just ask Jurgen Klopp what he thinks about his jack-of-all-trades.
Once The Reds can no longer count on his ability to fill in, maybe only then will some truly realise his value.
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