Virgil van Dijk says James Milner used to do something ‘outstanding’ on matchdays at Liverpool

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool’s leadership group has been changed beyond recognition over the past couple of years.

The Reds made a shift in both captain and vice-captain in 2023 and could yet be forced to do exactly the same at the end of this season.

But while question marks remain over the futures of captain Virgil van Dijk and his deputy Trent Alexander-Arnold, they are both still in place for the time being.

Van Dijk was a natural choice to wear the armband following Jordan Henderson’s controversial exit last summer. Meanwhile, Liverpool academy graduate Alexander-Arnold stepped into the sizeable hole left by James Milner at the same time.

While Van Dijk has replaced Henderson successfully, even lifting a trophy in his first season as captain, Alexander-Arnold is a long way from having the experience and know-how of Milner.

And as the veteran Yorkshireman continues his career with Brighton, Van Dijk has been looking back on what he loved about Milner’s time at Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk hails James Milner leadership

Milner was consistently underrated during his eight years at Anfield. But when all is said and done, there’s a strong case for the 38-year-old being a genuine Liverpool legend.

Upon joining in 2015, the former Man City man brought all his experience of winning and immediately set about changing standards and expectations.

It says it all that Milner was installed as Henderson’s vice-captain right from his very first day at the club, a position he held up until is exit, 332 appearances later.

While Milner was not always a starter for Liverpool, what he brought to the dressing room was unrivalled.

READ MORE: Liverpool receive ‘massively encouraging’ update on Virgil van Dijk contract

So, when asked about the players who had helped him to ‘grow’ throughout his career so far by the Premier League on YouTube, it was not a surprise to hear Van Dijk mention Milner, as well as Henderson.

“I think all the senior boys that I’ve had over the years,” the 33-year-old answered. “Whether it’s Jordan Henderson, who was an unbelievable captain I think for Liverpool.

“James Milner has been outstanding in the way he’s been showing authority within the team, on matchdays, whether it was on the pitch or off the pitch.”

How is James Milner getting on at Brighton?

Although Klopp had wanted to keep Milner in 2023, it was ultimately the right time for the former England international to go.

While he was still in great shape physically, Liverpool needed to move away from the squad who had won them so much and bring some new players through.

After leaving Anfield, Milner did well to find himself at another Premier League club, joining Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi.

However, Milner’s first season on the South Coast was badly disrupted by injury and he only made 20 appearances across all competitions.

Now under Fabian Hurzeler – a manager more than seven years his junior – things started better for Milner this term as he began each of Brighton’s first three games of the campaign. But having since picked up a hamstring injury, James hasn’t played since the end of August. Perhaps that retirement is creeping ever closer. But what a leader he has been.