Liverpool has wasted no time diving into the summer transfer fray. In addition to the signing of Burnley striker Danny Ings, it was recently announced that 'Liverpool FC sign James Milner' from Manchester City. But is the 29-year-old midfielder a good fit for Liverpool, a club that struggled significantly during the 2014 2015 Premier League campaign? Or is he just a further misdiagnosis of the soccer team's problems?
For his part, current Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana will be pleased to see Milner don the Liverpool training kit this summer. Indeed, Lallana hailed Milner as "the perfect player," a "vital addition" to the Liverpool squad, and a "complete role model." Lallana praised James for playing different positions throughout his career and for always being in great shape.
Comparison to Steven Gerrard
It bodes well that Milner's versatility was one of the first things that Lallana praised about him. Following a sixth place Premier League finish in 2014 2015, the Reds are losing a versatile great from the midfield in the form of Steven Gerrard. Throughout his 17 seasons as part of the Liverpool senior squad, Gerrard played as central midfielder, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, right back, right winger, and even second striker. He leaves Anfield with the club's record for most Premier League assists (114), and third on the list for most EPL goals (120).
Needless to say, replacing Gerrard is a tall order for Liverpool FC. Not only will the club have to find someone who can provide the kind of leadership he did as captain, but they will also have to get a player comfortable with playing on the attack, in the midfield, or on defense. Milner isn't nearly as versatile in the number of positions he's played. However, in his five years at Manchester City, he did usually play a different position (right winger) than what he became known for at Aston Villa (central midfielder). It will be interesting to see how Liverpool utilizes his many soccer skills.
James Milner: Statistics and History
Milner comes to Anfield as a free transfer-a major coup for the Liverpool football club. At 29 years old, he probably still has a few very good years left in him. Gerrard, for instance, is 35 and was still Liverpool's top scorer this past football season.
Still, Milner has already enjoyed a long and fruitful career. In 2002, playing for Leeds United in a December 26th away match against Sunderland, Milner put his team on the board at the 51-minute mark, becoming the youngest-ever player to score a goal in the Premier League. Leeds ultimately won that soccer match, and James turned 17 nine days later.
Since then, younger players have scored in EPL fixtures to beat Milner's record. Still, the multi-talented midfielder has remained a consistent presence in English football ever since that big Boxing Day milestone. In addition to Leeds, he's played for Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester City. Since 2002, he's made 527 career appearances (including 389 in Premier League fixtures) and scored 59 goals.
A Good Fit?
Over the course of his career, Milner's primary role has been to create scoring opportunities rather than to take them for himself. Because of that fact, Milner may or may not be able to fill Gerrard's shoes. After all, Gerrard has scored 171 goals for Liverpool (overall) since the 2002 2003 season. He had scoring power that Milner doesn't, and that facet of his talent will likely be most missed next year.
With that said, if Liverpool can bring in some strong offensive players, then Milner's ability to create scoring opportunities could prove to be the key for the entire squad's success. Needless to say, his signing became much more exciting after Danny Ings was also announced as a Liverpool transfer. With James providing assists and Danny scoring goals, the Reds could become the offensive powerhouse they were in 2013 2014. Of course, Brendan Rodgers will also want to bring in another attacker or two, considering how disappointing his offensive signings from last season (Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli) have proven to be.
Celebrate the fact that Liverpool FC sign James Milner and shop for a new football shirt or piece of Liverpool training gear from Soccer Box.
