Liverpool are set to appreciate James Milner’s value in the way Manchester City didn’t in 2015.
The club’s vice-captain has seen his game time limited so far this season amid the rise to form from Alberto Moreno and the arrival of Andrew Robertson.
Having cemented a place as the starting left-back last season, he has since been found himself in a more competitive battle for a place at the heart of the Reds’ midfield.
Regardless of Milner’s less regular role, Liverpool wisely remain intent on keeping him at least until the end of the season.
The Reds will reject all offers for the former England international during the January transfer window, according to the Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe.
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Manchester City came to regret letting Milner leave on a free two years ago, and Jurgen Klopp will be keen to avoid making the same mistake.
Tuesday’s 7-0 Champions League win over NK Maribor served as a timely reminder of what Milner has left to offer.
Besides injecting the experience and leadership Reds have come to expect from him, he also demonstrated how productive he can still be as an all-action asset at both ends of the pitch.
Milner was reportedly subject to interest from Leicester City during the summer, and has been tipped to be a target for a number of Premier League sides this winter.
Liverpool would be foolish to let him leave half-way through the season, especially given how injury-prone Klopp’s squad has proven to be.
It will be interesting to see what comes of the 31-year-old next season, with the introduction of Naby Keita likely to spark changes to the team’s midfield trio.