{"id":9621,"date":"2018-04-09T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-04-09T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.friendsofliverpool.com\/?p=9621"},"modified":"2018-04-08T22:38:33","modified_gmt":"2018-04-08T21:38:33","slug":"player-analysis-james-milners-example-should-be-followed-by-his-liverpool-teammates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.friendsofliverpool.com\/2018\/04\/player-analysis-james-milners-example-should-be-followed-by-his-liverpool-teammates\/","title":{"rendered":"Player Analysis: James Milner’s example should be followed by his Liverpool teammates"},"content":{"rendered":"

James Milner, generally known for being one of the most boring footballers around (so much so he spawned his own Twitter account) is one of the key reasons Jurgen Klopp is succeeding this season. A lot of the credit has gone to the front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane but Milner has been a huge influence. It is clear that he is a massive figure in the dressing room. He is one of the few experienced players Klopp has at his disposal. Experience is key if you want to be successful but Milner is so much more than that.<\/p>\n

Attacking Influence<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many would view James Milner as a weakness for Liverpool but he is one of the few consistencies in the squad. He has been available for the team throughout the season and has contributed time and time again. Milner, often known as a known as a workhorse player has created a lot of chances for Liverpool this season. In all competitions, he has laid on 10 assists for his team in just 19 starts in the Premier League and Champions League.<\/p>\n

In addition to this, he has created a mammoth 2.6 chances per game in the Champions League (1.7 in the Premier League). Compare this to other Liverpool midfielders who play a similar role and you can really understand the value of Milner. Emre Can (0.52), Georginio Wijnaldum (0.68) and Jordan Henderson (1.05) are all miles behind Milner in terms of attacking output. The only player who can compare with Milner’s influence going forward is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has managed 1.2 chances per 90. It’s a well-known fact that Liverpool lack quality in midfield compared to the rest of the top 6 but Milner has had an outstanding output. He may be creating chances but it is his overall influence on the play that is impressive. His positioning and intelligence on the pitch are of great value for Jurgen Klopp.<\/p>\n

Take Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal against Manchester City, there’s a scrap in the final third of the pitch and the play is about to be broken up. Milner chimes in with a beautifully timed tackle that falls to Chamberlain who then smashes home the second goal. Throughout that game, the former England international was a menace to the City team as they struggled to get away from him. He would win the ball and then set off the counter-attack. Milner knows what he is good at, he fights for the ball and releases it to somebody who can really create.<\/p>\n