Jurgen Klopp claimed that James Milner has been ‘essential’ for Liverpool, after he clocked up his 600th Premier League appearance today.
Milner came off the bench to reach the landmark during the Reds 3-1 win over Southampton this afternoon. And speaking post-game via liverpoolfc.com, Klopp paid tribute to his vice-captain.
“I am really proud to be around when he reached that milestone. He is an exceptional player and an exceptional person. He is essential for everything we reached in the last few years,” gushed the manager.
“I’ve said it a lot of times and it’s the 100 per cent truth. Today was a really big day for us as well because we knew it was 599 and there was actually no chance and no result where James wouldn’t come on. He had concussion and then a little muscle problem; not massive, but a little one. He was ready for today with one session and it’s cool, absolutely cool.
“Well deserved, big, but it’s just Premier League? So that means with Champions League and all the cup competitions he is at 800 or so probably. Wow, massive! A good career, let me say it like this. And not finished, how you could see. He is very helpful for us still. He knows everything about the game because [with] the emotions he is not always using the right tools, but he can set the tone. He did that when he came on today and I am really pleased for him.”
Milner 600 not out
Despite the insinuation from Klopp, Milner’s appearance today wasn’t a charitable one. He was really very good when he came on.
Maybe it was the occasion of his 600th top-flight appearance, but he actually looked keen to get further up the pitch for a change.
Two or three times the 36-year-old waltzed past a couple of defenders towards the box. Had the game not been quite so tight, perhaps he would have cracked a shot or two off.
As it was, Southampton were pushing Liverpool right up until the end. With all Milner’s nous, his first instincts were the correct ones – keep the ball.
The Yorkshireman may well finally leave Anfield this summer after what will be eight years at the club. Listening to Klopp though, you really wouldn’t bet against Milner getting another extension.
He turned down offers from elsewhere last summer to stay at Liverpool. Despite the expectation that he wouldn’t play quite as much this season, he’s featured in all but three games in 2022/23.
Those numbers could drop in the second half of the year as other players become more available. But there’s no doubt that Klopp absolutely loves his No.7.
You get the impression that, in certain situations at least, there’s no player he’d rather have on the pitch. Here’s to the next 600 Milly!
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