James Milner is out injured for this clash against Manchester City (Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp’s side continued their winning ways in the Premier League with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday at Anfield. Liverpool have made a stunning start to their campaign with six wins out of six, which is their best-ever start in history. The Reds currently sit atop the standings with 18 points and have already established themselves as one of the favourites to win the Premier League crown.
Liverpool successfully replicated their domestic form on the European front as well and came away with three priceless points in an enthralling 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League. Given that Liverpool have been drawn along with PSG, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade in a potential group of death, the victory on opening day could go a long way in deciding their fortunes in Europe.
Considering the exhilarating performances from the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, it is easy to get carried away with the forward line. While it is true that the attacking trio has done exceptionally well, the story of Liverpool’s success has not been based entirely on their exploits.
Summer recruit Naby Keita has provided energy and impetus to Liverpool’s midfield. In Keita, Liverpool have found a balanced central midfielder when compared to Jordan Henderson. But the player who has orchestrated proceedings effectively in the middle of the park is none other than the veteran James Milner.
Milner, who earns £120,000-a-week, once again holds the key to Liverpool’s success when they host Chelsea for the third round of the League Cup tie on Wednesday. Not only has the 32-year-old dictated terms in the midfield with his impressive range of passing but he has also impressed with his work rate.
He has been virtually everywhere in the midfield and has contributed equally to the defence and the attack. While he has broken up the play in the midfield with solid pressing and crucial interceptions, he has also drifted to the wider areas of the park from where he has delivered dangerous crosses into the box. It is unusual for a player of his age to be so proactive in the midfield but he has once again proven his worth this season.
Much of Chelsea’s success this season has been down to the stability in their midfield. While new signing Jorginho has successfully dictated the tempo of the game with his remarkable range of passing from a deep position, Mateo Kovacic has contributed with some crucial tackles and interceptions.
Meanwhile, N’Golo Kante has enjoyed an advanced position under Maurizio Sarri and has linked the play well with his teammates up front. Kante has provided the perfect balance between the defence and the attack and the midfield trio has shielded the rearguard effectively
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To put things into perspective, the duel between James Milner and N’Golo Kante could possibly decide the fate of the match. The two midfield powerhouses will go head-to-head in the quest for dominance on Wednesday.
And that is not the end of it. Liverpool are set for an intriguing doubleheader against Chelsea as the two teams will clash once again over the weekend in the Premier League.