Many Liverpool fans have called for James Milner to be included in the starting XI for Wednesday night’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid in response to a question on Twitter from Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop).
Question: Should Milner start v Atleti? ? https://t.co/CktBtCf8l8
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) March 9, 2020
The 34-year-old midfielder was brought into the team at left-back in place of Andrew Robertson for Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth, a result that almost certainly wouldn’t have happened were it not for his heroic clearance to keep out a goal-bound Ryan Fraser effort in the second half. Aside from that ultimately match-winning intervention, he had the most blocks (three) of anyone in Liverpool’s team against the Cherries, along with four clearances (joint-most for the Reds), two successful tackles and two successful aerial duels (as per WhoScored).
Milner has appeared in all of the Reds’ Champions League games so far this season, starting four, although he hasn’t been able to hold down a regular berth in Jurgen Klopp’s line-up this term, having been given just seven Premier League starts (as per TransferMarkt). While Robertson is set to come back into contention, captain Jordan Henderson is only coming back to training this week after injury (as per liverpoolfc.com).
These Liverpool fans want the 34-year-old to keep his place in the team for the visit of Atletico Madrid to Anfield, with one Kopite hailing him as a “true class player”:
For me, YES. A true class player. WIll calm things down in what will be a heated atmosphere.
— steve (@sjwarsap) March 9, 2020
If hendo ain’t fit .. 100%
— Dowsey (@fbateallthepies) March 9, 2020
Yes. He deserved it after that display on Saturday. He’s come back fresh and hungry. He wants this. Fabinho needs more time to get his edge back.
— ForeverRed (@Forever22233116) March 9, 2020
Has to, based on his and our performance against Bournemouth.
— Steve Long (@stevelong193) March 9, 2020
After Saturdays performance at LB there is a very strong case to start him in the middle, Fabinho’s form since returning from injury is a concern, will Hendo be 100%
— Pádraig Ó Cróinín (@PaudieCronin) March 9, 2020
Whether Hendo is fit or not, yes. This is one game where all leaders should be on the pitch.
— Will Hughes (@WillHug37271602) March 9, 2020
Yes. Play for 60min to get us 3-0 up. Then rested
— Reyaaz Jacobs (@ReyaazJacobs) March 9, 2020
Should Milner be included in Liverpool’s starting XI against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday? If so, in what position should he start? Join in the discussion by commenting below!