Aston Villa saw an offer rejected by Liverpool star James Milner before the veteran agreed a new contract at Anfield – a player that Villa boss Steven Gerrard gave praise to, branding him a “manager’s dream”.
Milner, 36, put pen to paper on a new one-year deal at Anfield this week – Liverpool announcing as such on Monday. Goal report that he turned down both Villa and Newcastle, as well as numerous MLS clubs.
It sees Milner, who played 39 times for the Reds last season, remain with Jurgen Klopp’s side for an eighth year. He is closing on Frank Lampard’s record of 609 Premier League games – with Lampard in third of the all-time record holders.
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In March, Gerrard was quoted by the Birmingham Mail as saying that like Ashley Young, Milner is a “manager’s dream”. He can come in to a side at any time, in any position, and do a job for the team.
“He’s [Young] a player who can come in and do any job on a football pitch,” Gerrard said. “There aren’t many people who can do that, especially at his age as well. He’s one of a few, like James Milner who are a manager’s dream.”
Gerrard praise: Milner rejected Villa to remain at Liverpool
Is it the right move for Milner? It certainly is from a Liverpool point of view. He is happy to sit on the sidelines and come in when necessary, while giving the younger members of the squad an example to look up to.
But for Milner, will he get much game time? The Reds are likely to be bring in another midfielder this summer. They are also closing in on the addition of Calvin Ramsey as back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The chances of Milner playing 39 times again is unlikely. He might get between 20 and 25 outings. At Villa, could he have got more? It must be said, that Villa do not have European football.
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