Dominic Matteo has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Liverpool veteran James Milner is “exactly what Leeds need” amid reports he is about to sign a new Reds deal. Matteo admits staying at Liverpool is Milner’s best move.
MIlner, 36, is out of contract at the end of the month. He has spent the last seven years at Anfield, clocking up 289 appearances for the Reds. Despite his age, he still managed 39 appearances during 2021-22.
The 61-time England star has won the FA Cup, Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, UEFA SuperCup and FIFA Club World Cup with Liverpool. It looked as though his spell at Anfield was about to come to an end.
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The Athletic report that Milner has agreed a pay cut on his £140,000-a-week deal (Spotrac) to remain at Liverpool. But Matteo, who played for Liverpool and captained Leeds, believes he would have been perfect for Jesse Marsch’s side.
“I can see why Jurgen Klopp is desperate to keep hold of him and I think staying at Liverpool would be the right call, although personally I would be buzzing if he came to Leeds,” Matteo said.
“He’s exactly what they [Leeds] need – he’s a voice, a leader, someone who understands the game. He’s a bit like Stuey Dallas, he doesn’t change the way he thinks, he just adapts and he can adapt a lot quicker than some people.”
Matteo: Liverpool veteran Milner ‘exactly’ what Leeds need
Milner is a brilliant player. Leeds fans will know all about their academy product, born and bred in Leeds. He played 53 times for the Whites before relegation in 2004; but he embodies what Leeds is all about.
Work rate, passion, desire, determination. Even at 36, Milner is renowned as one of Liverpool’s fittest players. With Stuart Dallas likely to be sidelined until the new year, he would have been perfect. But he is set to stay at Liverpool.
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