Liverpool star’s Brighton pass-map displays underrated attacking influence

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James Milner showcased his attacking value to Liverpool on Saturday with a leading final-third productivity in the win over Brighton.

The Reds’ vice-captain rightly retained his place in an unchanged starting lineup after his stunning start to the new Premier League season.

A lacklustre attacking display on route to a third consecutive win served as the latest teaser that Jurgen Klopp’s men will be a force to fear once they rediscover some rhythm up top.

On a slightly quieter day for Liverpool’s front three, Milner was able to assert his own attacking influence and remind all of a key dimension to his footballing anatomy.

The midfielder completed more passes in the final-third than any other Liverpool of Brighton player, successfully connecting with a teammate on 20 out of 23 attempts.

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Milner built on an impressive start to the campaign that has so far resigned Jordan Henderson to a place on the bench and given new signing Fabinho a difficult route into the starting eleven.

The 32-year-old entered the new season boasting a reputation as Liverpool’s fittest player, based on exercises during pre-season.

He has since flaunted his condition with an all-action role in spearheading his side’s aggressive midfield ball retrieval and serving as added attacking support.

His contributions on Saturday entailed an evident effort to work in the wider positions as a means of unlocking attacking ventures for full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, and dictate the temp of the game with his reliable ball retention.

In the form, he looks impossible to dislodge from the team.

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