Match of the Day pundit Martin Keown has singled out midfielder James Milner for stealing the limelight in yesterday’s clash against West Ham.
Liverpool’s attacking players helped put away the goals, but the 32-year-old enforcer helped control the midfield along with the help of Premier League debutant Naby Keita with a dominant display.
He was quoted by the Daily Star as saying: “[It’s] Milner for me, it’s his work ethic and the way he sets the tone. He’s a role model. The way he works, the way he sets up…he’s a dynamo. He seems to get better with age with everything he does. He’s like a fine wine!”
The former England international played a part in one of Sadio Mane’s goals, assisting the attacker to slot the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
He added: “This onboard navigation system that he has, he just wants to keep everything moving. He had more touches than any other players this weekend and Keita is the next player in the jigsaw.”
OPINION
Liverpool’s attacking front line certainly stole the show in terms of goals, but Milner was the unsung hero as he linked up excellently with new-boy Keita. Without him, Keita would not have performed as well as he did, nor would have Sadio Mane scored to double the team’s lead. He is a hard worker and as Keown points out, he only seems to get better with age. At 32, he is showing no signs of slowing down, and he will most certainly be a key asset to the Reds’ midfield in years to come. His knowledge and experience of playing in the Premier League will be incredibly useful to the players just starting out at the club, and boss Jurgen Klopp will undoubtedly be featuring him regularly based on this display. He may be a player who often goes under the radar, but he will always give 100% to whatever match he is playing in – and a player like him will be extremely important in Liverpool’s title bid this season.
