Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has hailed James Milner for a lovely goal during training yesterday.
As seen in the ‘Inside Training’ video on liverpoolfc.com, Milner was in fine form ahead of Sunday’s game with Arsenal.
Taking part in a small-sided match, the veteran picked up the ball on the top-right corner of the penalty area. Showing some intricate footwork, Milner weaves past a couple of challenges before planting a shot into the far corner with his left foot.
“I love it, everything about it!” Lijnders bellows from the side-line. A bit more of that on matchdays wouldn’t go amiss, Milly!
Milner looking to end goal drought
Hands up who can remember James Milner’s last goal for Liverpool? It feels like an absolute age since the 37-year-old last found the net.
In fact, it was – in football terms at least. It’s now almost four years since Milner’s penalty kick put the Reds 2-0 up against Leicester City on Boxing Day 2019.
That was a momentous day. The day Liverpool really let everyone know that they’re the Champions of England elect. Plenty has happened since then, including a whole worldwide pandemic. Through it all, Milner has remained goal-less.
Considering that the £60k-a-week man now plays a lot of his football at right-back, perhaps he can be excused a little. Mohamed Salah has also since taken over penalty-taking duties, reducing his opportunities to score drastically.
But still, it isn’t like Milner isn’t playing. He’s featured in over 100 games for Liverpool since Boxing Day 2019. The only members of the current squad not to score in that time are Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas – even Alisson has one to his name!
This little clip shows that Milner can do it, though. Talk has started to emerge that the veteran essentially has 10 games left to save his Liverpool career. If he can pull that out on the pitch between now and the end of the season, maybe he’ll still get a new contract. Given his record of finding the net though, won’t hold our breath.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
