If Liverpool won’t sell Newcastle target Milner should he start at Spurs?

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Newcastle are interested in James Milner but Liverpool won’t sell. So should they start him against Tottenham to prove his worth?

Liverpool’s James Milner gathers the ball during the English Premier League football match against Burnley.

Liverpool will not sell James Milner in the January transfer window, reports the Telegraph, because despite starting just three matches so far this season he remains an important part of manager Jurgen Klopp’s plans.

Milner was close to leaving Anfield over the summer and rejoining Newcastle United but financial constraints at his former club meant the deal could not be completed, according to the Independent.

Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League group E football match against NK Maribor.

Since then, though, the 31-year-old has been used sparingly by Klopp and has grown frustrated in 2017/18 with his lack of game time.

Therefore it seems the German should either use Milner or let him leave and in truth the Reds could probably do with a player like the Englishman in their midfield.

A lot has been made of the Merseysiders’ defensive frailty this term and while the back four have to shoulder a large percentage of the blame, those in front of them should also be taking a look at themselves.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (L) speaks with goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (C) and midfielder Jordan Henderson.

In a 4-3-3 formation under Klopp, the player at the base of the midfield needs to shield the defence somewhat – a job that captain Jordan Henderson has been tasked with.

Yet with Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum alongside him more box-to-box players and Philippe Coutinho attack-minded when he features more deeply – as Adam Lallana will be when he returns from injury – Henderson has struggled with his defensive responsibilities.

Perhaps what Klopp and the team needs is a no-nonsense type who prioritises maintaining possession and keeping it simple in the middle. Someone like Milner, whose ability with the aforementioned skills is an often underrated talent.

If Klopp won’t sell the former England international then he should use him, starting with a tough trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday (October 22).