Jurgen Klopp adores James Milner.
The veteran Englishman embodies everything our manager does in terms of professionalism, effort, attitude and all the rest in between.
But something that perhaps doesn’t get spoken about enough is just how outstanding a footballer Milner really is.
He has a terrific right-foot, can swing a cross in and understand the game tactically as well as anybody else. Plus, his bottle and energy levels and jaw-dropping.
After all, you don’t play regularly for a genuinely world-class side like Liverpool, age 33, unless you’re something special.
“Same haircut as today, I like that. That’s consistency. Mr Consistent, James Milner,” the boss told Via Sport.
“Sports wise, he’s so talented it’s unbelievable. He plays golf close to a professional. He can be quite intense because he’s demanding.”
Despite his excellent season, and the manner in which he’s helped us in the Champions League so far – we don’t think Milner will start Saturday’s tie with Spurs.
We reckon Fabinho will anchor the side, with captain Jordan Henderson in a slightly advanced role – with Gini Wijnaldum on the other side of a midfield trio.
Milner though will be a superb option off the bench, especially if we’re winning – as he can shore us up tactically and provide legs in the closing stages.
If he is in the XI though, there should be no complaints from any fans in red.