James Milner simply doesn’t care about individual recognition. He just wants to help the team.
This term, fans got on the experienced, Premier League winning midfielder’s back early on, berating a lack of creative quality.
What absolute tosh.
So far, the 30-year-old has been directly involved in 22 Liverpool goals this season. That’s eight goals and 14 assists, more than any other player, including the hyped trio of Coutinho, Adam Lallana and Roberto Firmino.
But Milner doesn’t mind that our Brazilians get the glory, so long as we’re winning matches and he’s playing his part.
“It doesn’t bother me, I just want to contribute to the team,” Milner told the Echo.
“I feel like I’ve been able to create chances for people.
“I probably don’t move as gracefully as people like Phil (Coutinho). I’m a geezer in his mining boots from Yorkshire, lumping across the field!
“It might not always look pretty but as long as I’m contributing to the team that’s the main thing.”
Due to Jordan Henderson’s continued absence through injury this season, Milner has emerged as the team’s true captain – wearing the armband in both semi-final legs. He’ll do so again this evening, with Henderson likely to start on the bench.
Milner’s attitude, work-rate and desire is symbolic of Jurgen Klopp’s footballing perspective, and the pair work superbly together.
For us, Milner is a fighter; and can tie up his mining boots for Liverpool for as long as he pleases! It doesn’t matter if it isn’t pretty, it’s mightily effective.