The Liverpool star came through the ranks at Leeds.
Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has been commenting on James Milner’s emergence at the club back in 2002.
Milner became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer that year and is still revered by many Leeds fans, who one day hope to see him back at Elland Road.
James Milner celebrates scoring for Leeds
Danny Mills was the club’s right-back during that time and he has spoken to the Yorkshire Evening Post about the emergence of Milner.
He commented on how he was obviously a special talent at just 16-years-old and hailed the work ethic of the now Liverpool star:
Liverpool’s James Milner celebrates scoring their second goal
“Back then he was an obvious talent. We could all see it.
“But you also got great self-discipline and constant hard work from him. That’s what got him his chance so early and that’s what’s got him where he is today.
“You’ve seen with countless players that having ability on its own isn’t enough. Work ethic was the phrase with him. He had that in bundles.”
Danny Mills
Milner is a pillar of the success Leeds can have with their excellent youth academy. The first-team currently has talents such as Charlie Taylor, Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira starting regularly and Alex Mowatt is also in the first-team set-up. Recently, 17-year-old Mallik Wilks made the bench for the first time and the likes of Lewie Coyle and Tyler Denton are knocking on the door.
One day Leeds will hope to be able to lure a player like Milner back to Elland Road. But right now, the club’s current young crop are taking them back to where they need to be.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
