UEFA Champions League 2018-19: Best Players from Match Day 1

#4 James Milner

Milner was a prime reason for Neymar’s isolation

James Milner is 32 years old, but his age doesn’t reflect in his performance at all. PSG played far from good football in the game against Liverpool.

Their main man Neymar was nowhere close to disturbing the opposition. Milner was a prime reason for Neymar’s isolation.

Milner’s defensive contribution was a vital one, he pinched the ball near his own box, intercepted passes and stopped the blistering runs from Neymar.

Milner never let Neymar hit hard on the counter and overpowered the Brazilian with ease. Simply put, he pocketed Neymar.

That was not all though, apart from his defensive contribution, he always ran through the right flank near the box, delivering a cross or two.

His early cutback was the first real chance at goal for Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk stopped by Areola. His off the ball play was tremendous, though it might go unnoticed.

Milner positioned himself near the end of the box when others attacked, waiting for any clearance to fall to him.

It also helped him backtrack quickly if Liverpool were to be hit on the counter. He showed enough pace for his age when he worked through the right wing for crossing. He stepped up for the penalty and blasted it towards Areola’s left with ease.

Roberto Firmino might have sealed the deal for Liverpool but James Milner was the pivot who built the ploy. His work rate is simply brilliant for a 32-year-old.

A well-rounded performance from Liverpool’s very own James Milner. Anfield will expect him to deliver at the same level against the like of Griezmann and Ronaldo.