BBC pundit Garth Crooks labelled James Milner as ‘once in a generation’ after his display vs Man City on Sunday. The veteran midfielder played at right-back.
With Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konaté both out of Liverpool vs Man City, Joe Gomez needed to play centre-back. That was a problem, given Trent Alexander-Arnold was unable to start. James Milner, then, would face a game at right-back against the champions.
Understandably, people were worried. Milner actually played there last season and was terrorised by Phil Foden. The English playmaker scored twice as he took advantage of an out-of-position veteran.
Jurgen Klopp, though, backed his player again on Sunday. Milner rewarded that faith was a tremendous display, earning praise from all quarters. Shay Given went as far as saying that Foden was in the Liverpool player’s pocket all game.
Klopp even acknowledged the worries around starting Milner before praising him. And now we’ve got Garth Crooks calling the 36-year-old a ‘once in a generation’ player.
James Milner vs Man City
“His performance against his former club in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Anfield was extraordinary,” said Crooks in his Team of the Week column. “Milner is unflappable, dependable and above all an exceptional professional, and I’m not in the least bit surprised Jurgen Klopp refuses to let him out of his sights.
“Professionals like Milner only come around once in a generation and it is to Liverpool’s credit they have retained his services.”
It’s hard to argue. Milner actually played two positions on the day, having also moved into a centre-back role as Klopp called for a back-five late on. How many player’s can do that? How many can do it at 36?
We’d argue for just one. Milner’s versatility has always been incredible but doing it against Man City at his age is simply something else. A one of a kind player.
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