- James Milner reveals banter surrounding assists tally
- Midfielder currently has more assists than any player in Champions League this season with seven
- SEE MORE: Klopp reveals Liverpool duo will miss Porto clash
James Milner admits his teammates at Liverpool have been having fun with his seemingly unlikely position at the top of the assists chart in the Champions League this season.
The midfielder has set up more goals than any other player in Europe’s most prestigious club competition so far, creating seven of the Reds’ 28.
Though he has been deemed a surprise source of final-third invention compared to stars elsewhere in Europe and in the Liverpool squad, Milner believes the record reflects a key component to his game.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Milner said: “There’s been a bit of banter about it – there always is around the dressing room!”
“Obviously we were in Spain after that game and it was a good time to do that trip, we worked hard on the training field but after a good performance in the Champions League and a good result everyone was in a great mood.”
“It was nice to see a bit of sun as well and there was plenty of banter flying about. It’s nice to have, it helps me shut down any arguments if there’s any banter going round in the dressing room!”
“I just want to contribute to the team and throughout my career I think I’ve managed to create goals for the teams I’ve played at.”
Milner has been in superb form in recent weeks, producing an all-action performance in the absence of Emre Can during Liverpool’s 5-0 rout in Porto last month.
The 32-year-old looks in line to earn another start in Tuesday’s return fixture as Jurgen Klopp prepares to make changes thanks to his side’s advantage.
He has unsurprisingly proven to be a valuable squad member in a busy campaign for the club, injecting not only characteristic vigour and leadership but also evidently contributing to the team’s explosive attacking approach.