Liverpool vs Everton: Five things we learned as rampant Reds run riot

James Milner needs a new contract

Liverpool are not normally backwards in coming forwards, so why have they delayed so much over handing Milner a new contract? Things seem to have gone quiet on that front and it’s now got to a point where we need to start being concerned about him leaving on a free transfer.

On the evidence from Wednesday night, that would be a bad thing for the team and the club as a whole. Klopp regularly turns to Milly when he needs a general on the field in big games, and he did so again.

And Milner was everywhere. Milner snapped into tackles, he worked hard and he drove his mates to do more and be more and ruthlessly dispatch Everton.

Even as his involvement reduces, the former Manchester City man is vital to the squad. He can cover both full-back positions, he’s still the fittest man in the squad and he’s one of the dressing room leaders. Liverpool have worked so hard to cultivate a winning mentality that it would be foolish to let one of the key components of that leave for nothing.

We need one more year of Milner, at least. And if his body can keep going, why not two? Or transition him slowly into the coaching role of his coach?