On paper, specifically a piece with certain terms on, a spot for a signature, and a set price, offering James Milner a new contract seems somewhat needless. Yet, as per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have made a one-year extension offer to the 36-year-old. This comes in spite of the growing competition within the squad; in spite of Milner’s age, and perhaps in spite of Liverpool’s usual urge to save money by bidding farewell to those deemed ‘old’ in football.
It must be said, however, although the reported offer has been highly-criticised, Milner still has a use in the Liverpool squad. Not many see it that way, sure. Where exactly does he improve Jurgen Klopp’s side on the pitch? And that’s not a dig at his ability. Milner is still very much capable. Instead, it’s an ode to just how much strength in depth the Reds have in midfield.
James Milner Contract Will Benefit Liverpool
Off-Pitch Influence Worth it
If it’s not Fabinho, it’s Jordan Henderson. If it’s not Thiago Alcantara, it’s Harvey Elliott, or Curtis Jones, or Naby Keita, or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The fact is, the midfield role is stacked with talent Liverpool, leaving Milner’s influence on the pitch a tad needless. But, and this is key, the former Manchester City man’s influence doesn’t come in front of the cameras these days. It comes behind the scenes. It comes through helping the young players; it comes through leadership, and setting examples.
Occasionally, a player has such a large impact in the dressing room, that the need to keep them around outweighs their lack of need on the pitch. And that could be a disservice to Milner – the midfielder, sometimes turned defender, who seamlessly slots in when needed.
Is the contract offer an unexpected decision? For sure. But, it seems one that Jurgen Klopp wanted, and such is the trust he has earned around Merseyside, it is one that should ultimately be supported.
Milner Contract Shouldn’t Affect Other Deals
The biggest, and perhaps most irrational fear within the Liverpool fan base after hearing reports of Milner’s contract offer, is that it will affect other deals – specifically Mohamed Salah’s.
The Egyptian has just one year left on his current deal, with talks yet to reach a conclusion. And, as time passes, the worry amongst those at Anfield regarding the future of their king will only increase. The last thing many will want to see, too, whilst Salah’s extension talks drag on, is a different player sealing a new deal.
What many fail to understand, however, is that James Milner and his potential new deal, will not play a part in the future of Mohamed Salah. They are both different cases that will not coincide.
When looking at Milner’s influence, it is clear why Klopp wants to keep him around. It seems a very similar case to when Gary McAllister was still a Liverpool player at 36 to coincide with Steven Gerrard’s early days in red. The impact McAllister had on Gerrard could have shaped his younger days. Milner can have a similar influence on the likes of Elliott and Tyler Morton.
Considering that the deal is likely to only help Liverpool, it should be welcomed as a positive at Anfield.
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