Striker in the 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3
Now bare with us…
Milner is not a natural centre-forward, as he doesn’t have a striker’s instinct or finishing ability – but read what Manuel Pellegrini had to say about one of his favourite players earlier in the season (via Manchester Evening News).
“I played him as a forward and the team averaged three goals a game. He gives everything. You leave him on the bench and he’s absolutely furious but watch him during the game: encouraging, shouting, supporting. And in the next training session he kills himself,” he said.
“Milner’s a phenomenon, a guy with big balls and a heart this big,” he continued.
“Intelligent, great mentality, one of those players that when you leave him out you’re left with this feeling of injustice; it hurts because he should always play but sometimes you need a technical player with other characteristics. I hope he stays. If he doesn’t it will be because there’s an important offer.”
Our centre-forward problems are well known, and while we’d prefer a fit Daniel Sturridge or a new signing up top – it’d be better to have Milner working ferociously there than a lethargic Mario Balotelli or Rickie Lambert.
This is very much a final option, of course – but it outlines just how handy Milner could be for us should he complete the transfer.