Three reasons why Liverpool must offer James Milner fresh terms

He does the things he hates without complaint

There have been a few players across the ages who seem to be ruined by their versatility. Jack of all trades, master of none is a stick used to beat a few with – but that never seemed to apply to Milner.

It might be hard to cast your mind back to his early days with Leeds and Newcastle but he was used out wide a fair bet and was seen as an exciting attacking prospect. That was over a decade ago and in the time since then Milner has morphed into the player he is now, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be shifted around.

Klopp has already used the veteran as a left-back and central midfielder during 2019/2020, while Milner was shifted out to right-back to seven times during his stay with Liverpool. He doesn’t like doing it, reported Four Four Two, but he did it anyway and without complaint. And by the way, Milner did it pretty well as he grabbed goals and assists from the position.

Just knowing he’s around the squad makes the lack of cover in full-back positions more bearable. Milner is the back-up on both sides, definitely for left-back, maybe not so much on the right – but he’s (not) ready and (reluctantly) willing to do both jobs.

A manager’s dream.