James Milner is Jurgen Klopp philosophy distilled and bottled

Liverpool star James Milner is perfect for Jurgen Klopp.

He’s the superb super sub without rival in football and it’s almost a crime to claim he is just a midfielder as the bionic veteran is comfortable in any number of offensive or defensive roles and positions.

Indeed, he spent an entire season at left-back subbing for an injured Alberto Moreno.

There just isn’t enough space here, and you don’t have the time for all the amazing things he has accomplished in his footballing career. A true Ironman in the English top flight, James Milner lies fifth on the all time Premier League appearance list with 534.

Since his arrival at the Reds, Milner has played both full-back positions, at centre-back, holding midfielder and further forward. He is the go to guy on penalties and it wouldn’t surprise me to find he can fill in between the posts if asked to do so by Jurgen Klopp.

Indeed, there has been no assignment from the gaffer that Milner baulks at. He accepts each and every role with relish and heart, which makes him a real live champion in every respect. For me, Millie is the most underrated player in the team and he is also the most underrated player in all of English football.

His age, professionalism, leadership, experience (national and club sides), never say die, never give an inch attitude is pure, Klopp philosophy distilled and bottled up in a players’ boots.

Milner is an exemplary mentor and leader on and off the field make him Liverpool’s ideal candidate for sub-captain, with Virgil van Dijk. No one runs more, covers more area box to box, stifles counters, closes down relentlessly on defense than Milly.

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He is an absolute beast and he has only one gear…beast mode. Highly regarded by opposing managers and rival peers, everyone knows Milner is bringing his best effort possible to the match, every time he plays.

Despite the Boring James Milner Twitter account, the midfielder is actually the complete opposite. He’s a known prankster and practical joker of sorts and brings levity to the often hectic emotionally challenging and mentally demanding aspect of the Reds game.

The midfielder has always been a superb athlete. In high school he excelled at cricket, football, and long distance running. He began his fight to the top at Leeds United, before winding up on a Manchester City side that he would see win two titles in three years before moving on to Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015.

At 35, his Sisyphian challenge is met with a stark determination that appropriately fits a Greek myth. He is constantly, relentlessly, pushing that mighty stone up the hill.

As a free transfer, Milner is most certainly having the last laugh (practical joker that he is) and will be relishing proving Pep Guardiola wrong. He says as much in a report from the Mirror.

James Milner epitomizes the consummate footballer from any era of any time. When this man finally does hang up those boots, and that day is closer than James would care to admit, this game will have lost something very very special.

He isn’t a glamour legend like Xavi, Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney. But none of these great legendary players ever brought more heart and desire to the pitch than James Milner.