Top 7 free transfers of all time – Liverpool
By David Gate
Number Four: James Milner
While not exciting the free transfer of James Milner has been a success. Not because it has been sensational but because it has been smart. The Yorkshireman has made 85 appearances in just 2 seasons. Milner was brought in by Brendan Rodgers to gird the midfield after Steven Gerrard’s exit in 2015. The Premier League winner left Manchester City looking for regular first team football and has found it at Anfield.
After a year helping the midfield under Rodgers and then Jurgen Klopp he spent the 2016/17 as Liverpool’s first choice left back. After Klopp decided that Alberto Moreno could not be trusted in that role he turned to Mr. Dependable. He has an abundance of qualities that managers love. He is a hardworking professional; never do you hear a complaint from our vice-captain. The teamwork ethic which is so important in Klopp’s system finds its most willing manifestation in Milner.
His attacking productivity shows he is not just a willing worker. His haul of 14 goals and 17 assists is excellent for a player rarely deployed in attacking situations. He is now Liverpool’s designated penalty taker and led the team for much of the last season with Jordan Henderson out with injury.
There are no trophies to show for Milner’s time at Liverpool but there has been a measure of success. Reaching two finals in 2016 and qualifying for the Champions League in 2017 have been important markers in the development of Klopp’s growing side.
Testament to James Milner’s ability and effort is that Liverpool have not made left back a transfer priority this summer. If Moreno is to leave there will be no specialist left back on the roster. Such is the trust in Milner’s dependability and fitness. While he is not considered a fan favorite the Englishman is vital to strength of our current squad. He remains on of the smartest free transfers that Liverpool have ever made.