Garth Crooks has named Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and James Milner in his team of the week following the Reds’ 2-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday.
Both players found themselves on the scoresheet at Craven Cottage, and BBC pundit Crooks has been quick to sing their praises.
Speaking to BBC Sport, when referring to Milner, he said: “There is no doubt about it, Liverpool are not firing on all cylinders but they can call on certain players in a crisis and James Milner is one of those players.
“His introduction into the game minutes before the award of the spot kick was crucial. They were gifted a penalty and the one player unmoved by completing the task was Milner.”
Of Mane, he added: “He ran the show in the first half and hit the bar in the second.
“With Roberto Firmino never quite at the party and Mohamed Salah struggling to hit the back of the net it was left to Sadio Mane to provide the inspiration.”
OPINION
A lot will be made of Sadio Mane scoring his 17th goal of the Premier League season against Fulham, but it’s good to see Crooks focus his attention elsewhere as well. Make no mistake, this was touch and go for Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp will be asking serious questions of his side when they get back from the international break. They the mark of a champion is to win even when you play poorly, however, and the Reds certainly did that. A huge factor in that was definitely James Milner, who once again showed his ice cool nerves and natural leadership to step up and finish the penalty that was gifted to Liverpool late on. The title race is operating on such fine margins that a loss yesterday, coupled with Manchester City winning their game in hand, could have been disastrous for Liverpool, but Milner showed his class on Sunday, and it could be looked back on as one of the most crucial moments in the race for the crown.
