According to a recent report by the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are eager to tie down their English midfielder James Milner to a new contract. The Daily Express has revealed that the former Manchester City man’s current deal at Anfield expires in the summer of 2020 and Liverpool Echo has claimed that the Merseyside outfit are planning to offer him a one-year extension.
Milner’s Remarkable Season At Merseyside
The English midfield veteran enjoyed a sensational campaign with Liverpool as he put in some match-winning displays under Jurgen Klopp’s stewardship last season. The 33-year-old successfully guided his team to their sixth European Cup triumph when the Reds won the UEFA Champions League at Madrid back in June.
The Leeds born talent featured in 45 matches for Klopp’s side in the last term, scoring seven goals while grabbing seven assists in all competitions. He has also earned the honour of representing England in 61 matches at the international level and has one goal for his country to his name.
Milner’s wealth of experience and outstanding work ethic were vital in Liverpool’s title challenge last season so Klopp would expect him to make a similar impact in the coming years. However, at 33, he is edging closer to the twilight years of his career, and thus, there is a risk that he might slow down with each passing season.
What Does The English Midfield Ace Offer On The Pitch?
Milner is vastly experienced in English football and knows what it takes to win the Premier League from his spell at Man City. The Englishman is versatile enough to operate in multiple positions across the field. He primarily operates as a central midfielder but is capable of playing in both the full-back positions as well.
Klopp had often benefitted from Milner’s incredible versatility when his squad got stretched thin in the recent campaigns. Thus, keeping him at the club for the next few years makes sense as he has been an integral member of Liverpool’s first-team thus far.
Retaining Milner: Wise Move For Liverpool?
Milner still has a lot left in his tank, so as long as he can keep up his extraordinary fitness levels up, the Reds shouldn’t have any problems accommodating him at Anfield in the years to come. All in all, it will be a clever move by Klopp to retain him for the long-run as veterans like him could help the younger players fulfil their true potential.
