Klopp hails James Milner, thinks Liverpool fans should appreciate Wijnaldum more

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hailed James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has told The Telegraph that he thinks James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum are just as important as new signing Naby Keita.

The Reds enjoyed a stunning opening to the Premier League season last weekend, thrashing West Ham United 4-0 at Anfield in a superb performance, which saw Sadio Mane score twice.

The front three of Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah naturally got much of the praise, but midfielder Naby Keita was making his Premier League debut – and turned in an outstanding display.

The Guinean international has given Liverpool new drive in midfield, but he was aided by James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum; two players rarely in the limelight.

Milner was signed by Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2015, leaving Manchester City for Liverpool on a free transfer after his contract at the Etihad Stadium had expired.

The 32-year-old has never really received the praise he deserves, but his experience has been vital to the Liverpool side, and he was in great from against West Ham picking up an assist for Mane’s opening goal.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Wijnaldum was snapped up by Jurgen Klopp in 2016, paying £25million to sign him from Newcastle United (BBC Sport), but the Dutchman’s role has changed over time, and he played as a holding midfielder against West Ham in a fine outing.

Now, Klopp has told The Telegraph that he thinks Keita is good, but Milner is in the best phase of his career now, and thinks fans should appreciate Wijnaldum more as nobody talks about his contributions.

“We talk about Naby Keita, that’s good, he’s new. But James Milner made big steps in the last three years, that’s the truth,” said Klopp. “I don’t want to judge his career but it feels like it’s the best moment of his career. Gini Wijnaldum, no-one speaks about him. He came from Newcastle as kind of No 10/winger. He can play the ‘6’ and the ‘8’ in the way I don’t know many players can. They don’t talk about him. It’s like he could fill up the bench,” he added.