Hot Streak: Why title chasing Liverpool rely so heavily on Milner

The summer was an exciting one for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp got his first real chance to sculpt the squad in his image. The German had impressed at the helm upon his appointment last October, yet there were clear indications that he inherited a squad he didn’t see fit to lead the team to glory. Indeed, Christian Benteke, Jordon Ibe and Joe Allen were all shown the Anfield exit, with the club firmly backing Klopp in the transfer market. The primary acquisitions came in the form of Sadio Mane and Georgino Wijnaldum for a combined outlay of just short of £60m. 

Now, on the back of a 4-1 win over Stoke, the Reds are the closest challengers to leaders Chelsea, albeit with a six-point gap between Liverpool and the Blues. The arrivals of Mane and Wijnaldum, though, suggested that one or two first team regulars last season would be forced into a peripheral role. No player wants to rot away on the bench, with game time the priority, no matter the age, team or position, and James Milner is no exception to the rule, despite giving the impression otherwise. 

Milner departed Manchester City for Liverpool on the belief that first team action would be more readily available following a move to Anfield, yet a summer of hefty investment suggested that could be in short supply. The 30-year-old wasn’t part of the 18-man squad for the opening weekend win at Arsenal before coming into the side in an unfamiliar left-back role for the 2-0 loss at Burnley. While Alberto Moreno was less than impressive in the 4-3 victory at the Emirates Stadium, Klopp could well have axed Milner from the defensive position following defeat at Turf Moor, particularly with the former replacing the latter in the closing stages of the defeat to the Clarets. 

Yet, Milner has since gone on to make the starting left-back position for the Reds his own. Granted, chances are he would favour a more familiar midfield role, but at this point in time; the former England international is undeniably first choice left-back for Liverpool and making a solid case for being the best in his position in the country this season. A WhoScored rating of 7.37 is not to be scoffed at, particularly for a player operating out of position. In fact, of those to have made at least five appearances at left-back, only Danny Rose (7.50) and Daley Blind (7.43) have gained a better Premier League rating this season. 

In fact it was his assist that saw Roberto Firmino end his barren run against Stoke on Tuesday night as Liverpool romped to victory, with Milner combining the ideal blend of creative quality and tenacity to help redevelop as a full-back. Of all defenders this season, the Englishman has been directly involved in more goals (7) than any other player. Granted, Milner is helped in that he is Liverpool’s primary penalty taker, but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he is utilising his creative talents from deep. Indeed, only Andros Townsend (99) has attempted more crosses from open player than Milner (95) in the Premier League this season. 

He is able to press forward from left-back to provide another outlet for his teammates, which he does so effectively. In such an attack minded system also, it’s a boost that a player who is renowned for his attacking talent is able to play in defence. This not only avoids any possible selection headaches that may be thrust Klopp’s way, but means Liverpool have the means to spring attacks at the drop of the hat, with such an influential performer playing an effective role in moving the ball from defence to attack. 

Of course, there’s a risk that comes with playing an offensive-minded player in the defensive third, but Milner is renowned as a player who does not shirk his defensive responsibilities. An average of 2.5 tackles per game is second only to Jordan Henderson (3.9) of all Liverpool players, while 1.3 interceptions per league match also ranks highly, allowing for Milner to not only successfully rob the opposition of possession, but instigate attacks too. Meanwhile, no player has blocked more crosses in England’s top tier this term than Milner (17), further reinforcing a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘defensive contribution’. 

The most impressive aspect of Milner’s transformation, however, is how quickly he has adapted his game to suit the needs of his manager in an unfamiliar position. With Moreno as defensively suspect as he is, Liverpool could well have benefitted from the acquisition of a new left-back over the summer, yet Milner’s redeployment has been a smooth transition, which has evidently boosted the fortunes of the player and club.