4 reasons why Liverpool should keep hold of James Milner

Three years ago, Liverpool brought in James Milner from Manchester City on a free transfer. Needless to say, it has been a good piece of transfer business for the Merseyside team – City’s loss has been the Reds’ gain - both in and out of the dressing room.

At the end of his City stint, Milner arrived at Liverpool on a four-year contract which is due to expire in the summer of 2019. By then, the former Aston Villa man would be past 33 years of age – safe to say, not exactly the peak for a midfielder.

However, the adage ‘aging like fine wine’ fits the bill perfectly when the player in question is Milner. The Reds' number 7 does not adhere to the mere normal; he offers much more than your average 30-something midfielder.

This piece elaborates on 4 key reasons why Liverpool will do well to keep hold of Milner for at least a couple of seasons more.

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#4 The intangibles: leadership, experience and mentality

While it may be difficult to quantify the benefits from intangibles, the perks of qualitative genius offered by players cannot be overlooked.

Klopp's squad is mostly comprised of players in their 20s – in fact, Milner and Ragnar Klavan are the only players over the age of 30 (Simon Mignolet and Adam Lallana have just reached the mark).

Milner's attitude and work ethic have always been exemplary, something that can be imbibed by his young teammates as well as academy graduates coming out of the LFC talent pool. His cool, steady mentality combined with the will to win provides a calming influence on those around him.

Having won the Premier League on more than one occasion with Manchester City, he undoubtedly understands what it takes to win. He is the Reds' vice-captain for a reason – he may not be the loudest voice on the pitch but in leading by example, he creates a path for teammates to follow in his stead.

Milner also has valuable experience under his belt, having been on the roster for various teams – Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa etc. – and thereby had the chance to play under various managers. It enables him to see things from more than one angle and visualize different perspectives and styles.

#3 Provides squad depth across positions

'Jack of all trades, master of none' is a figure of speech often used in not-so-glowing terms or positive context. It must, however, be stressed that while Milner is indeed a Jack of many trades, there is no negative connotation implied in his case.

He is not a specialist in one area, instead offering his expertise and using the wealth of his experience to improve more than one position. This is something Liverpool have benefited first-hand from; for, no one had envisaged the extent of impact the former Manchester City player would have for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

From deputizing at left-back in 2016/17 to being a creative lynchpin during the Reds’ Champions League campaign in 2017/18, James Milner has done it all and more importantly, done it well.

He was available to cover at left-back sporadically last season as well, also making more regular appearances in midfield. Milner may not always have been called on to start but his form in the CL was so imperious, he turned out to be the top provider of assists during the tournament.

With the acquisition of Fabinho and Naby Keita, the Reds have a number of options in midfield despite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain being ruled out for the season. Adam Lallana has returned to fitness and will be competing for playing time alongside Jordan Henderson and Gini Wjnaldum, with Milner definitely also in the mix.

One major aspect to consider though is that Liverpool will be competing on more than one front for trophies this season. With Lallana's fitness more often than not a concern and Henderson dealing with foot niggles of his own at times, Milner's presence is only reassuring and not a case of one body too many.

His ability to contribute from the penalty spot is another major asset as well.

#2 Fittest player in the squad

Earlier in July, Milner's lactate tests results were doing the rounds of social media as he proved himself to be the club's fittest player. On the first day of the Reds' preseason training, they were put through their paces and Milner easily bested his teammates.

That he is a workhorse is a known fact but to come up trumps beating a bunch of 20-something footballers heading into their peak is a different matter altogether.

If there was a choice between selling one of Lallana or Milner, the Reds will do well to offload the former Southampton captain. His technical guile, work-rate and Klopp's favourable opinion notwithstanding, he is sidelined too often to be a reliable option to be called upon to make a difference.

On the other hand, with barely any (recurring) fitness worries and having proved himself to be not only physically fit but also a good player in the system, Milner provides Klopp with a solid option to call on as and when the need arises.

At just over 32, he undoubtedly has at least another couple of seasons in him and everything he offers can be invaluable to LFC.

#1 Team player

While he arrived from City to play regularly and also in his preferred position (midfield), James Milner was a thorough professional in dealing with the demands of his manager and putting the needs of the team before his own.

In doing so, not only has he established himself as a firm fan favourite, but is also the go-to man for Klopp when the situation so demands.

With Alberto Moreno being relegated to the sidelines following many a fault, Milner was called on to deputize at left-back for almost the entirety of 2016/17. Last season, when he played, it was in midfield a majority of the time and with his UCL record-assist haul, it can be said he more than did justice to the position.

Milner may not be a mesmerizing playmaker, breathtaking striker or a magical dribbler, but he commits to the cause of the team so wholly, it is impossible not to admire his commitment and dedication.

Klopp and Liverpool's only cause for worry would be providing him with sufficient game time. With more than one competition to participate and there for the taking, accommodating someone of Milner's caliber and utility is certainly achievable.