OPINION
The renaissance of James Milner as a force in the Liverpool midfield was one of the most uplifting aspects in a fantastic season for the club.
The veteran ace had found himself shunted to left-back by Jurgen Klopp the season before, and a return to star in midfield looked a long shot in many ways.
However the 32-year-old somehow managed to force himself back into Klopp’s midfield plans, with injuries elsewhere no doubt helping him along the way.
Milner ended this season with the Champions League record in number of assists in a single campaign, with the former England international now a firm fan favourite at Anfield.
However, with the summer now here and Liverpool already delving into the transfer market, Milner may be in for another grim season in 2018/19.
The Reds have just completed a deal to bring in Monaco midfielder Fabinho for £39million, with the Brazilian joining Naby Keita as reinforcements in central midfield.
Fabinho was brought in as a replacement for the outgoing Emre Can, but these two signings will leave the club with a wealth of options in that area.
Klopp will have Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita, Fabinho and Milner to choose from in central midfield.
That is an extensive list of top midfielders which may even be added to by August, and that spells trouble for Milner.
The 32-year-old is now likely to be bottom of the pile at Liverpool despite his brilliant season, with new, younger recruits set to take his place in the starting XI.
What exactly this will mean for Milner is unknown, but it will likely see him limited to substitute appearances for the majority of the season.
It could also see him shunted into an unfamiliar position once again, although Andy Robertson’s brilliance at left-back would seem to put that out of the question.
All in all it is set to be a tough season for Milner at Anfield, and such a situation will surely mean that an exit from Anfield is on the cards in the near future.
