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Assist machine! MOTM! Liverpool fans react to unlikely UCL star

By David Gate

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: James Milner and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool (2R) celebrates as he scores their first goal from the penalty spot with team mates during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 5, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: James Milner and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool (2R) celebrates as he scores their first goal from the penalty spot with team mates during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 5, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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There were half a dozen genuine contenders for Liverpool Man-of-the-Match against Porto last night and many fans believe James Milner was the best of the lot.

Kevin de Bruyne is one of the best players in Europe right now. However he is looking up the Champions League assist table towards an unlikely Liverpool player. Vice-captain James Milner is leading the UCL standings for assists with seven this season.

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Milner has been in and out of the side all season but has thrived with every opportunity he’s been given in Europe’s premier competition. The pace of the game suits him; slightly slower than the wild tempo of the Premier League.

What is most impressive is that he in not picking all these assists up from set pieces. Both his contributions last night came from open play.

The first was created by his hard work. Pressing high up the pitch, he won the ball on the edge of Porto’s box. A quick shift onto his right foot allowed him to get a rasping shot away that cannoned off the post for Salah to juggle into the net.

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His second assist came from bursting down the left side and squaring back for Firmino. He managed to time and weight the pass perfectly. It looked straight forward in real-time but in slo-mo you could see the micro-adjustments needed to put it on a plate for his colleague.

Liverpool are now the top scorers in the Champions League; in no small part to the contributions of Milner. While it may be tempting to think that the job is done Jurgen Klopp is not going down that road.

Next: Five reasons to be happy after Porto demolition

The manager wants Liverpool to seal the deal at Anfield with a strong performance for the fans. Only then will talk of the Champions League Quarter Finals start.

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