Why Liverpool must hand James Milner a new contract

Liverpool star James Milner recently admitted that he is open to returning to Leeds United upon the expiry of his contract, as per Liverpool Echo.

It is safe to say that Liverpool made a significant business move when they signed former England international James Milner. More than a decade and a half later, Milner is still going strong. And his longevity goes against pretty much everything we’ve been told about football.

Milner isn’t the first player to peak beyond 30 and he won’t be the last. But it’s the manner of his form since his international retirement in 2016 which really jumps out. Plenty of forwards have produced solid numbers after turning 30, including Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo.

After five years with Manchester City, Milner traded the Etihad for Anfield on a free transfer in search of a new project, having achieved vast domestic success with the former.

He arrived at Anfield with Brendan Rodgers at the helm but Jurgen Klopp has truly extracted the best out of him.

Milner, who earns £140,000 per week, continues to cover ground like a man half his age. This came to the fore during Liverpool’s Champions League win away to Manchester City in April 2018, when he covered 13.53km – nearly 2km further than any other player on the pitch.

After a free transfer to Liverpool, Klopp played James as a left-back in place of an injured and underperforming Alberto Moreno. The right-footed Englishman ended up playing 36 matches in the 2016/17 season. His ability to adapt to the new position helped the Reds secure a Champions League spot. Later, Andrew Robertson was signed and Milner was restored in the middle of the park. 

There are times at which Milner forces one to wonder if they would find circuit boards rather than bones upon cutting him open.

James Milner is the master of willingly accepting almost any task assigned. His sturdy work ethic and unwavering desire to play every match make him one of the most outstanding players. There have not been many instances of dissatisfaction, outburst with managers or war of words with teammates in Milner’s long career.

There are very few football players today with the attitude of putting their heads down and working hard. In the past, there have been some down-to-earth gentlemen like Paul Scholes. And Milner is another fine example.

While Milner’s role within the squad has constantly evolved other the years, his reliability and professionalism remain unquestionable.

It will be a no-brainer for Liverpool to extend his contract as he is a utility player capable of playing in multiple positions. Also, it’s an exciting time to be at Liverpool and Milner certainly has the tools to take them further.