Highly respected British media outlet The Times reckons that Liverpool are in pole position to replace Steven Gerrard with James Milner in the summer.
The Times reports:
Liverpool have begun planning for life after Steven Gerrard’s departure by looking to exploit the growing uncertainty over James Milner’s future at Manchester City.
The Merseyside club are in pole position to sign Milner on a free transfer at the end of the season after the breakdown of his contract negotiations with City.
Milner seems to draw polemic opinions as a footballer. While many believe that he’s a quality and extremely hard working athlete, others find him a bit basic.
But you have to say that, while many other English stars have fallen by he wayside during the Manchester City revolution, Milner has remained pretty central to the squad and has played 14 times so far this season. Add 53 England caps and the stats would suggest that this is one of the better English players of this generation.
That said, the idea of him replacing Steven Gerrard at Liverpool seems a bit fanciful. His skillset is far narrower and he doesn;t have the goal threat of the Liverpool captain.
But more players will compare unfavourably to Gerrard and Liverpool will have to start somewhere in their attempts to replace him.
We think that Emra Can could become a big player for Liverpool but he needs more experience and you would expect the club to sign a more experienced option to play alongside Jordan Henderson for chunks of next season.
Let’s take a look at Milner in action. Liverpool fans: can you see Milner making an impression at the club or will he be yet another damp squib of a Brendan Rodergs signing?
Bill
Jan 8, 2015 at 7:37 pm
Milner is nearly 30 and useless. move on.
Livmad
Jan 9, 2015 at 2:56 am
Milner?..oh come on Liverpool. All have realized how low standard Liverpool has become after missing out on shaqiri.
fuwee
Jan 9, 2015 at 4:46 pm
How sad. I’m realizing it too. I’ve always stood by n still will, but how small we have become in the hands of these American is too disturbing. Losing the battle for Shaqiri is as low as u can get. I call for a new owner as u can have the best manager in the world at Liverpool, but with the kind of support given will not land the manager a single silverware after 5 seasons even. We can’t do anything if he decides to spend his leftover years showering millions on his young wife instead of strengthening the squad. It’s his money even though its our beloved club.
Christopher joshua
Jan 9, 2015 at 9:52 am
well, milner is a good player but not the right man to replace gerrard