Milner is a very underrated Englishman
James Milner (Manchester City)
Most believe that Milner’s only attributing quality is his stamina. However, like Jordan Henderson, Milner possesses impressive and underrated skill on the ball. He may not become a key player at Liverpool, but he would be at least alongside Joe Allen and ahead of Lucas and Emre Can when competing for a midfield spot.
A place on the wing is not alien to Milner either, where he would be akin to Dirk Kuyt. However, he is more effective through the middle. Not an essential signing by any means, but Milner is an upgrade on other midfield options currently available to Rodgers. Whether he could be convinced to join Anfield for a similar role he has at City remains to be seen, with regular football at Arsenal a likelier destination.
can br buy?
Milner getting more regular gametime at Arsenal? He’d get way more time in the Liverpool team, Wenger would never play Milner over Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Ox, Theo, Sanchez, Arteta and a likely new CDM.
Also not sure about Delph going on to be one of the league’s best. Consider in his positions you have the likes of Ramsey, Fabregas, Toure, Gerrard, Henderson, Matic, etc. He could be half decent but don’t really think he’d grow to be anything special. He’s been impressive for a few months, but he only got an England call-up because there isn’t really many other options having lost Gerrard and Lampard to international retirement
If a top class CDM arrives then I agree that Milner would have limited game time at Arsenal. However, if that doesn’t transpire then Milner could slot in alongside Wilshere and Ramsey in a midfield 3, ahead of Flamini or Arteta. Arsenal do possess plenty of midfield and attacking options, but unless Wilshere and Ramsey can form a balanced midfield partnership another body is needed in the centre of midfield. Milner may not be world-class, but he can patrol in front of the back four with pace and stamina. Obviously there will be rotation under Wenger, given the number of options available, but few are defensive minded and the ones that are, in my opinion, are not of the same standard as Milner, such as Arteta, who has no pace. Balance is key for a football team, as shown by Liverpool and Manchester United’s defensive woes recently.
I agree that the England call-up for Delph has arrived early due to retirements, injuries etc. However, I felt his form last season was impressive and if he maintained it, a call-up wouldn’t have been too long away. As you have listed above, there are many impressive options in the Premier League and Delph is yet to reach that level. Conversely, he is still only 24 and has the ability and potential to improve, especially if he is shown some faith at a big club. Admittedly, there is a long way to go with Delph, but he has the weapons and the time to perhaps become a top midfielder in the league, if only for a couple of years.
Cheers for the post (and I hope you’re settling in well!)