James Milner played 90 minutes as Liverpool beat Ajax last night.
Many slated the Reds’ vice-captain on Twitter, and in their reviews of the match, due to his lack of productivity going forward. We must be too spoilt with Thiago after 135 minutes of Liverpool action.
‘Millie’ signed in 2015 on a free transfer from Manchester City, and since has been the ultimate professional.
Playing out of position in both full back roles, featuring as part of a front three on occasion, Milner has done it all. With one correlation – 100% commitment and hard work.
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Which is why the stats that have come out today about Milner’s performance simply do not baffle the knowledgeable.
According to the Tactical Times, James Milner‘s defensive stats were simply incomprehensible for a man of his age. At 35, he won 16/21 ground duels (ranked first on both sides), 2/2 aerial duels, and five interceptions (again, first).
Milner is famed in the Liverpool squad for being the best in the stamina department despite his age.
He backs these up on the pitch – and did again last night. He ran 12.63 kilometres, the most of any on the pitch by some distance.
The closest too him was a man 16 years his senior – Ryan Gravenberch of Ajax, who ran 11.79 km. Gini Wijnaldum was his runner-up from Liverpool, covering 11.34 km.
Again, I’ll repeat, this doesn’t come as a shock to those who know Milner as a footballer. The man is 35 years-old in January and defies description every time he steps on the field in Liverpool Red.
Not fashionable, not flashy, not looking for plaudits. But James Milner continues to fly in the face of the ageing process.
How long can James Milner continue to play?