Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth: James Milner’s intangible assets
Liverpool beat Bournemouth 2-1 thanks to an amazing goal line clearance from James Milner, who’s intangible assets separate him from the rest.
The Reds went 1-0 behind after Callum Wilson scored past Adrian to register the first Cherries goal in five games against Liverpool – but the lead didn’t last long as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane struck to break Eddie Howe’s heart.
But it was nearly so different. Ryan Fraser, who has been linked with a move to Anfield, neatly dinked the ball over the Spanish goalkeeper’s head but was denied by a fantastic goal line clearance from James Milner.
It was an excellent bit of awareness and athleticism to hook the ball away from the net and behind for a corner without pezzling it into the goal. Watch it here.
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Milner, who started the game at left-back ahead of Andy Robertson, give Liverpool the drive and leadership that had been lacking in the absence of Jordan Henderson.
And it’s not intangible assets that make him stick out from the crowd like a sore thumb.
Some players have those, others don’t. And while Henderson has been missing with a hamstring injury it appears as if the boys left behind haven’t been able to replace what our skipper brings to the party.
Liverpool have missed James Milner – who picked up a minor muscle niggle and hasn’t started a Premier League game until the Bournemouth clash. It was a bit of surprise selection from Jurgen Klopp to bring him into defence, but it was one the Reds needed and it allowed Robertson to stay fresh for the Atletico Madrid game.
Will Milly remain in the team? That probably depends on the condition of Henderson.
https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1236266202063949824
Next. Three reasons why Liverpool shouldn’t pursue Ryan Fraser transfer in winter market. dark
But based on this performance, we need the type of hidden qualities the veteran brings to the game in order to properly comply with the force of Klopp’s will.