Of course this selection is massively dependent on whether Raheem stays at the club. We will also be able to factor in other signings later in the summer.
But, unlike Sterling, James Milner’s future seems pretty certain for the next couple of years at least.
The BBC reports that Milner, 29, will officially join Liverpool on July 1st, subject to a medical, after agreeing a move to the Merseyside giants.
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign England midfielder James Milner from Manchester City on a free transfer.
And let’s not forget that the main reason he left City was because he wanted to play every week. That desire would very much have transmitted to his thinking about his new club. So we have to assume that the carrot of starting each week at Liverpool has been well and truly dangled by an under pressure Brendan Rodgers.
But where will he play? The hype before he signed was all about him replacing Steven Gerrard.
There are very few in the world with Gerrard’s skill set and Milner isn’t one of them. But he would add legs to the engine room and, if Sterling stays, Liverpool could line up with Milner in the heart of the midfield next season.
But we think he might be even better suited to a role on the flank. One of Milner’s great qualities is obviously his athleticism. I have rarely seen a player work harder during a game – Carlos Tevez comes to mind – and he also delivers great crosses.
Milner is a very adaptable player and we believe that he will float around the team as injuries and new signings dictate. But he’s an excellent addition to the side – that vital type of player who balance out the flair players with hard work and diligence. He’s a true team player but one with no little individual skill.
Liverpool fans: would you pop Milner out wide, through the middle or even continue with a 3-5-2 and play him as a wing back?
Gmack
Jun 4, 2015 at 9:54 pm
If you do your homework you will discover that Milner is leaving City to get regular football in his preferred position, which according to an interview he gave 6 months ago is Central Attacking Midfield. He said when playing wide it is more restrictive , but playing centrally it gives more freedom to get forward, and he has the engine needed to get back when required. In a 4-2-3-1 He will be the central player of the 3, probably with Couthino and Lallana either side, and Can and Henderson behind. When saying that Milner hasn’t the skill of Gerrard then you don’t know the player, because he has as he showed at Leeds, since then he’s often been played out of position….WIDE!