Former Liverpool ace and regular Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson has been left head over heels for James Milner after showing great composure in the win over Fulham before the international break.
The Reds ensured that they sat top of the table for the two week gap in fixtures with their 2-1 win over the Cottagers, Milner tucking home the penalty which gave him and his teammates the three points needed to leapfrog Manchester City – who now have a game in hand.
Insisting the clash against the relegation strugglers was a potential “banana skin” for the Anfield outfit, Thompson was left heralding what he saw from Milner as he took the responsibility of the spot kick.
He told Sky Sports News (27/03, 12:36): “They found a way (v Fulham). That’s what all pundits say, if you manage to come through banana skin games like this, it always looks great and that’s what the Fulham game was like.
“It was a penalty kick – James Milner showed tremendous coolness and concentration. You’re talking about mental strength there, it was wonderful from James Milner. You needed an experienced one to step up and take the penalty kick.”
Opinion
There are few other players who have been around as long as Milner has in the Liverpool squad this season and as one of the experienced generals of the side it should come as no surprise he took the responsibility of sticking that penalty away against Fulham. The pressure on his shoulders must have been huge – knowing that securing all three points instead of being held to a draw could well be the difference between winning the league title or coming second – but he showed the necessary bottle and composure to make sure he did what was needed. Jurgen Klopp will be wanting the likes of Milner to lead by example and that was exactly what the former Newcastle and Manchester City man did prior to the international break – now it is up to his teammates to follow his lead and make sure they remain resolute in the hunt for Premier League glory.
