James Milner broke a record for Liverpool last night.
When Jurgen Klopp named him in his first XI for the 2-0 defeat by Atalanta in the Champions League, he made Milner the oldest player to reach 50 European appearances for the Reds.
Milner, who turns 35 in January, reached the half-century on an otherwise disappointing night for Liverpool, who lost pretty easily to the Italian outfit.
Despite the occasion, the veteran midfielder, a free transfer in 2015, was unable to inspire Klopp’s side to victory.
It was a typical Milner performance in terms of application and hunger, but he wasn’t hugely effective in possession.
And speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Clinton Morrison has been singing the 34-year-old’s praises nonetheless, hailing his professionalism and longevity.
He said: “James Milner is the best professional I’ve ever seen out there – not necessarily in terms of football just how professional he is. How he looks after himself, he’s probably the first on the training pitch and last to leave. He’s just a testament to himself that he’s managed to play at this level for such a long time.”
In terms of professionalism and attitude, Milner, who earns £75,000 per week on Merseyside, really is right up there with the best of them.
And the fact that he has started more Champions League games than Premier League ones this season illustrates that he’s still a player who Klopp feels he can rely on, despite the aging process.
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