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James Milner: Premier League Legend

James Milner

At 32, James Milner has been on the Premier League scene for almost 19 years now. Making his debut as a 16-year-old for Leeds, few can argue with what Milner has achieved throughout his career. He has gone on to make 61 caps for England since 2009 and is still proving to be a rock in Liverpool’s team.

James Milner: Premier League Legend

Milner poses the versatility that has seen him play everywhere but centre-back or in goal; a quality that has seen him play for some of the countries top clubs. Playing in front of big crowds and at hostile atmospheres, very few in the game can say they have experienced what Milner has.

England’s top division has been blessed by many goalscoring greats, attacking maestros, midfield generals, defensive rocks and unbelievable shot-stoppers. Milner is none of these. But for what Milner has given to the game, the Leeds-born midfielder will be remembered as a Premier League legend by a lot of fans.

Early Days

At just 16 years and 309 days, Milner became the youngest player to score in the Premier League at the time. This is no mean feat either. Playing for Leeds at Elland Road is daunting enough for experienced heads. It was a Leeds team playing European football and blessed with talent through Viduka and Kewell. James Milner was a player trusted by manager Peter Reid in a time of trouble. After a summer that saw Leeds lose captain Rio Ferdinand, strikers Robbie Keane and Fowler, midfielder Lee Bowyer and also keeper Paul Robinson, the spine of the team looked weak. It was a young James Milner that brought a spark.

Playing 22 times in his first season, Milner’s performances and Leeds’ debt troubles meant a transfer to Newcastle United, another team with a potent attacking force and a world-class squad. Milner made little impact with the ball in this season but did still get 25 run-outs for the Toon. He was then sent out to Aston Villa on loan. The Englishman had a positive season and went back to Newcastle ready to push on.

Back to the Villa

Milner’s career kicked on between 2006-2008 when he finally got his long-awaited transfer back to Villa. He progressed the most in his second spell at Villa Park and made a lasting impression. Martin O’Neil handed Milner 92 appearances while manager at Villa and it was during his reign that Milner made his international debut.

Milner has said that this return to Villa was the ‘most settled’ he has been while playing, partly as he had the same manager for two successive seasons which was a new feeling. At 23, Milner had played for 13 different head coaches, never having time to feel at home at a club. Milner’s form reflected his words. Playing as a central midfielder with flair players around him, Milner excelled. This included a league cup run, ending in a final defeat to Manchester United, that saw him get four goals and two assists in the six games.

Instrumental in Milners development at Aston Villa was fellow Englishman Gareth Barry. Barry himself holds a Premier League record for appearances. Therefore, Barry and Milner are very similar to each, both players still being instrumental in their clubs’ most recent top division season. West Brom looked to be missing something when Barry wasn’t playing last year and Milner has been outperforming Alberto Moreno since he arrived at Anfield.

Not only did the two make a formidable partnership at the Villains but they also seemed to follow each other around. Both Barry and Milner transferred to Manchester City between 2009 and 2010. The midfield partnership never caught on for England, however, but both players have made over 50 caps, undoubtedly spurring each other on to improve, especially in the three years under O’Neil where Villa kicked on to become a strong mid-table side.

Mancini’s Manoeuvres

It was under Italian Roberto Mancini that James Milner really started to become known for his ability all over the pitch. In fact, in the 2012/13 season, Mancini even started him as a false nine up front. In a Manchester City side that won their first Premier League in 2011/12, Milner managed 24 league appearances, even in a team of superstars at the peak of their powers.

Although mainly played as a right-midfielder or central-midfielder, the Englishman was very comfortably moved about in a City squad fighting for four trophies. Therefore, he had many injuries. This role of team player has made him the gentleman he is still today and was the reason that Brendan Rodgers decided to sign him on a free at Liverpool, despite being 30 years old.

Mancini’s era at City came to end after not winning the league in 2013 and also due to failing relations with players. Ex-United forward Carlos Tevez refused to play for Mancini and Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Joe Hart had all become annoyed. So from within this chaos and a lot of big egos, a humble Milner sat and waited his turn. Most noticeably, he scored a late equaliser from a free-kick against Hull City, although opportunities were at a premium. The patience of a man in his late twenties must have been tested at times at the Etihad, however, he can look back a happy man. He won all five of his major honours while playing in sky blue. Milner’s superb attitude brought its reward and earned him the respect he deserves.

An Example to Follow

In a day and age where the modern footballer is a celebrity and role model, James Milner is almost one of a kind; the last of a remaining few. The few that don’t engage actively in social media banter (despite the introduction of his Twitter following ‘Boring Milner’) or appear to be publicly involved in attention seeking headlines. Milner has a private life and some say that’s how it should be. He is no newcomer to the professional football scene and has lived his life in the viewing of the fans. But now he is older and just wants to play football for fun.

Making his senior debut at such an early age, Milner hasn’t gone through what most youngsters do these days. He was part of the era that cleaned first team players’ boots and discipline was still huge at clubs. In particular, the likes of Newcastle and Leeds, which were packed with household names. Milner is now acting as one of those to the youth at Liverpool. Having worked with Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, Milner is the last in this current team that know the older ways. He will see it partly as his responsibility to pass on the methods to make a long career.

Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have struggled at winning tight games and have come under criticism. They are lacking experienced heads and this young exciting team need a leader. Who better than James Milner to set an example and show the team how to do it? Always putting the team before himself, giving a minimum of 100% effort in every game. Although Milner might not supply the fireworks of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, he brings what fans want: a respect for the game and sportsmanship of the highest calibre.

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