The season might be coming to an end but Liverpool have the Europa League to play for. That seems to be the only way the Reds can achieve any success in a season that didn’t really start and seems to be still in a rebuilding phase.
The Reds sacked manager Brendan Rodgers and brought in Jurgen Klopp to lead the side. Another rebuilding job at the hands of a manager leads to many questions and uncertainties about the future of some players.
James Milner was one of those players who was brought in by Rodgers as he was promised a more central role than what he was doing at Manchester city. The former Leeds United player started in midfield but has played in a range of positions for the club under Klopp.
Left-back, right-back and winger, while he was also shuffling about in midfield. The first season might not have been all that great for him at Liverpool but he has had some good shows and we look at if he really has a future at the club.
Can and Henderson the future of Liverpool
James Milner was brought in to provide leadership to the club, he is one of the few players in the Liverpool side with a Premier League winner’s medal. Milner wasn’t expected to take over the role of Steven Gerrard but he surely wanted to do better than what he has done so far for the side.
The latest issue was when he picked up a red card for a couple of stupid challenges against Crystal Palace, which almost cost the side three points. Truth be told, Liverpool actually looked much better without Milner in that team as they somehow conjured up a win.
That has been the story for Milner so far in his career for Liverpool. The midfielder might have had one of two good performances but more often than not the side actually does better without him in the team.
Out of the three central midfielders who seem set to start regularly for Liverpool, James Milner has the worst pass completion percentage amongst Emre Can and Jordan Henderson. The 30-year-old also wins less aerial duels and interceptions than Can and Henderson have done all seasoning the league for the Reds.
Milner though does have a few good stats up his sleeve, his 1.81 key passes for every 90 minutes is the best amongst Can and Henderson. He also is excellent with penalties having scored a fair share of them in his Liverpool career so far.
The Liverpool’s midfield work horse certainly seems to have the rub of the green when it comes to England selection with news coming in that he would captain the side against Holland in the friendly. Whatever happens, Jurgen Klopp would be looking at a cull next season at Liverpool with many players on the chopping block and Milner seems likely to be one such player who ends up leaving Anfield for greener pastures.