Much has been made of Jurgen Klopp’s decision to skip Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round replay with Shrewsbury Town. To honour his commitment to the winter break, his senior players were given the night off and the club’s Under-23 boss Neil Critchley took charge of the team.
There was, however, one senior player who trained with the youngsters on Monday and asked Critchley if he could come along to the game. James Milner shared words of advice with some of the players in the dressing room and was thanked publicly by the coach for his assistance – as per The Athletic’s James Pearce.
Would you like to see Milner stay on as a coach after he retires?
Yes
No
We shouldn’t be surprised.
It’s what Milly does and why we love him.— KingKennyStand (@KingKennyStand) February 4, 2020
We’re lucky, nay, privileged, to have him….! ?
— Phil Cleary FRSA (@ClearyPhil) February 4, 2020
True professional embodies the core and work rate of this club @JamesMilner hats off to you
— Adam Page?????? (@AdamPage3) February 4, 2020
I’m not surprised he was there.. Great guy!
— World Champions! ?????? (@RedLiver1973) February 4, 2020
A real leader
— Michael SNM1 (@Snm1Michael) February 4, 2020
Absolute legend
— Alexis Poumos (@AlexisYNWA8) February 4, 2020
Wow.
— Robin Slick ( to go) (@RobieSlick) February 5, 2020
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again @JamesMilner is our best free signing ever #truepro #ageisjustanumber
— richard thompson (@redferret30) February 4, 2020
What do we think?
James Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer back in July 2015 from Manchester City. Since his arrival, he has played 205 times for the Anfield giants, scoring 26 goals and providing 4o assists.
However, the 34-year-old’s influence is far greater than the numbers suggest – his versatility has been a huge help to Jurgen Klopp who has in the past used him as a full-back. Based on Neil Critchley’s comments, Milner’s exemplary attitude and work-rate look to set the tone within the squad, and his commitment to helping the Under-23 players who took part in Tuesday night’s cup tie tells you all you need to know regarding this model professional.