Hodgson’s Mr Reliable: Why Man City’s James Milner is quietly proving his Critics Wrong

James Milner, Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano

Java Milner tussling for the ball in Manchester City’s Champions League clash against Barcelona

There’s a large section of England’s support who feel James Milner isn’t deserving of a place in Roy Hodgson’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Their theory suggests Milner lacks the requisite class for a side like England. They crave a more aesthetically pleasing style of football than the one they’ve been subjected to for many years – an expansive, easy-on-the-eye philosophy that Milner is seen as being the antithesis of.

Much of the dislike for Milner stems from his lack of natural skill. In the Manchester City side, his path to a regular starting place is blocked by David Silva and Samir Nasri, two players with an innate ability to caress a football, who float around the pitch contributing wonderful moments of natural brilliance and improvisation, moments that mark them out as two of Europe’s finest creative talents.

Milner, I’m sure would the first to admit, has to add value in other ways. Where Silva and Nasri bring artistry and beauty, Milner brings grit and graft. Few players can match his work-rate and running, and his determination to track back and support other players is unparalleled in the City squad. His critics may see his running as largely meaningless but to those who watch him closely, it gives City a steeliness they lack in his absence, exactly the reason so many of the fans at the Etihad pine for his inclusion in the away games against the top sides. It’s those qualities, first and foremost, that have made him a vital squad player and fans favourite in recent years.

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Edited by Staff Editor