Despite his consistent performances this season, Liverpool left-back James Milner is regularly criticised by pundits and ex-players for being a square peg in a round hole, but according to Reds legend Terry McDermott, Milner's conversion is one of the masterstrokes of the year.
Speaking to The Mirror, McDermott admitted that he initially thought Klopp had erred in switching Milner to left-back, but he's convinced that the manager made the right decision:
"He [Milner] has surprised a lot of people, and surpassed himself, with his performances at left-back. He has been an absolute revelation there.”
Milner has slotted in well at left-back, but he has also been at fault (directly and indirectly) for quite a few goals this season due to poor positioning; failing to stop crosses going in; being caught up the field; not getting tight enough etc.
As such, calling Milner an 'absolute revelation' is a little hyperbolic. He is a massively experienced 32-year old international, whose trademark is versatility, and with his experience, (and top-class coaching over the last 15-years), Milner *should* be able to cover at full-back. In fact, I'd be surprised (and disappointed) if he couldn't cope at left-back.
If, as expected, Liverpool sign a new starting left-back this summer, what will become of Milner? According to ex-Red Stan Collymore:
"It [the Defensive midfielder] should be James Milner. He is defensively solid, a winner, and still has the legs to be that specialist DM".
Milner would undoubtedly jump at the chance to play a more central role. After signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2015, he told The Telegraph:
"I want to play more centrally if I can, and that’s where the manager [Rodgers] sees me playing".
Possible lineup with Milner at DM (using the existing squad):
-------------- Mignolet
Clyne ----- Lovren - Matip ------ Moreno
--------------- Milner
------- Hendo -------- Wijnaldum/Lallana
----- Mane ------------ Coutinho
------------- Firmino
Is Milner a better option than Henderson in the holding midfield role?
Speaking to The Mirror, McDermott admitted that he initially thought Klopp had erred in switching Milner to left-back, but he's convinced that the manager made the right decision:
"He [Milner] has surprised a lot of people, and surpassed himself, with his performances at left-back. He has been an absolute revelation there.”
Milner has slotted in well at left-back, but he has also been at fault (directly and indirectly) for quite a few goals this season due to poor positioning; failing to stop crosses going in; being caught up the field; not getting tight enough etc.
As such, calling Milner an 'absolute revelation' is a little hyperbolic. He is a massively experienced 32-year old international, whose trademark is versatility, and with his experience, (and top-class coaching over the last 15-years), Milner *should* be able to cover at full-back. In fact, I'd be surprised (and disappointed) if he couldn't cope at left-back.
If, as expected, Liverpool sign a new starting left-back this summer, what will become of Milner? According to ex-Red Stan Collymore:
"It [the Defensive midfielder] should be James Milner. He is defensively solid, a winner, and still has the legs to be that specialist DM".
Milner would undoubtedly jump at the chance to play a more central role. After signing for Liverpool in the summer of 2015, he told The Telegraph:
"I want to play more centrally if I can, and that’s where the manager [Rodgers] sees me playing".
Possible lineup with Milner at DM (using the existing squad):
-------------- Mignolet
Clyne ----- Lovren - Matip ------ Moreno
--------------- Milner
------- Hendo -------- Wijnaldum/Lallana
----- Mane ------------ Coutinho
------------- Firmino
Is Milner a better option than Henderson in the holding midfield role?
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