Paul Merson believes Mesut Ozil and ‘every kid’ should be watching and learning from James Milner this season.
Liverpool’s vice-captain has started the campaign in imperious form to cement a place as one of the first names on Jurgen Klopp’s team sheet.
He has been instrumental at both ends of the pitch across the Reds’ winning run, typically setting the tone with his pressing and serving as a reliable bridge between defence and attack.
His lasting impression is epitomised by captain Jordan Henderson having been limited to just two starts across all competitions so far this season.
Merson says Arsenal’s divisive playmaker can take note from the 32-year-old as he looks to make his mark under Unai Emery.
He said: “I mean this lad, every week seven, eight (out of 10), every single day of the week,” per the Express.
“You tell him what to do, he just goes out and does it. He picks the right pass, everything he does, he’s an absolute credit.”
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“I think every kid should watch this lad, every kid should watch this lad. Every week he turns up, every week. You never see him think ‘nah, not today’.”
“I say every kid, I think Ozil should be watching him to be fair.”
It has often been Ozil’s work ethic that has been planted at the foundation of the criticism to come his way, and a struggle to find consistency as the undeniably gifted technician Arsenal brought to the club.
Frustration over his performances have notably been fuelled by his record as the fastest player in Premier League history to reach 50 assists. The talent is most certainly there, but it hasn’t always been on show.
Whilst it’s worth noting their varying positions, there is a lot about Milner’s resurgence that Ozil and a number of players in the league can take inspiration from.
Having arrived on a free transfer tipped to be a mere squad option, he has since reached arguably the best form of his playing career.
In terms of his work rate, there are few in the league that can rival him.