James Milner

[dmishra]

Gary Mac was a cerebral player who relied on his passing, intelligence and set-pieces to be effective. Milner's main strength is his energy and work-rate, which will only decline with age. So I'm not sure that's the ideal comparison.

 

[Judge Jules]

While I see what you're saying, I'm not sure it's that far away either TBH. For one thing Milner is 5 years younger than Gary Mac was when he joined us, besides which his versatility testifies to his intelligence. I'm confident he'll be able to adapt his game as the need arises.

 

[manwithnoname]

I don't know what there is to debate about Milner. He's a good, reliable player, playing decently well and making a big contribution to our success.

Exactly how everyone thought he would. Good signing.

 

[Silver Sean]

Anyone who doesn't understand what Milner brings to the team, the squad and the club doesn't understand anything about football.

 

[manwithnoname]

Anyone who doesn't understand what Milner brings to the team, the squad and the club doesn't understand anything about football.

I have a feeling lots of people said something similar about Hapless Joe Allen

Sadly

 

[Modo]

And Lucas

 

[localny]

Reliable, but no Gerrard - no-one is sadly

 

[mark1975]

Reliable, but no Gerrard - no-one is sadly

Luckily it's something we'd already started live without a few years ago though, Gerrard hasn't been Gerrard for a while, but in terms of chipping in with the odd goal and setpiece, I think it's a fairly ample replacement, with alot more energy thrown in.

 

[Pesam]

It's gonna be interesting to see what team Klopp picks against the Toon; you'd think Milner will play and Henderson should be a shoe-in if fully fit, Lucas is playing the best football of his LFC career in recent weeks and Can is beginning to show the form we all think he's capable of. Given that we need the creativity/goals of at least 3 of Coutinho, Ibe, Firmino, Lallana, Sturridge and Benteke,it's gonna be interesting to see who misses out.

Obviously you need a strong squad to compete these days and everyone will get a chance but this is the first game that Klopp will have an almost fully fit midfield/forward selection to choose from.

 

[Pesam]

Sorry, should have started a new thread for the post above instead of shoehorning it into a Milner thread but I'm busy and not thinking straight.

 

[Judge Jules]

Luckily it's something we'd already started live without a few years ago though, Gerrard hasn't been Gerrard for a while, but in terms of chipping in with the odd goal and setpiece, I think it's a fairly ample replacement, with alot more energy thrown in.

Agree with that, and would add that - without denying Stevie's individual brilliance - I suspect Milner's done more to cajole and encourage teammates during Hendo's absence than Stevie ever would have, armband or no armband.

 

[rurikbird]

He seems to be doubting his own ability at times. Love his work-rate, but I expected a little more in attack. Sometimes his touch is very agricultural.

 

[Judge Jules]

I wonder whether the (vice-)captaincy is weighing him down a bit. He's the type of person who would take it very seriously and that doesn't always help a player's individual form.

 

[ILD]

Milner will benefit from the return of Henderson. Milner will have help in covering every blade of grass and we might get to see him impact higher up the pitch.