Jamie Redknapp has hailed James Milner in the Daily Mail as an “exemplary professional” after Liverpool went into the international break at the Premier League summit.
The Merseysiders have won all four of their league fixtures to sit atop of the division, although they are ahead of Chelsea and Watford only on goal difference.
Former Liverpool midfielder and high-profile pundit Redknapp has singled out Milner as one player who has been integral to the team’s 100 per cent start to the campaign.
“It was great to see James Milner equal David Beckham’s tally of 80 assists in the Premier League,” Redknapp told the Mail. “James is an exemplary professional who is incredibly fit.
“Despite the arrivals at Liverpool of Naby Keita and Fabinho, Milner has started all four games this season. It shows just how much Jurgen Klopp values his contribution.
“After every match for Liverpool he is near the top of the charts for distance run and was their most creative player in the Champions League last season. He is playing better than ever.”
OPINION
Little wonder there is such love for ‘Millie’, the jack of all trades who has become a surprise master of central midfield either side of the summer. The first choice left-back of two seasons ago was expected to slip down the pecking order following the mega-money summer signings of Fabinho and Naby Keita, but that has not been the case. Milner has been central to Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the season, and Jurgen Klopp feels he can’t do without the player topping all charts for distance covered, assist making and creativity. It was telling that the former England international started ahead of Keita and Fabinho against Leicester on Saturday, and that it was Jordan Henderson who was subbed as Klopp looked to close out the game. Liverpool, in truth, were ragged and lacked any fluency, but Milner exemplified the team’s grit and spirit. The £120,000-a-week (source: Spotrac) fringe man has become the main man.