Jump directly to the content
Run of the Mil

Liverpool ace James Milner delighted to playing in central midfield again after bizarre stint as a left-back

Veteran Englishman spent most of his time playing as a left-back last season but is playing in preferred position again

JAMES MILNER hated playing at left-back and was delighted when Jurgen Klopp promised he would no longer have to appear there.

Yet after being told the good news before the start of the season, this term has ended up being a nightmare for the versatile Liverpool ace.

 James Milner admits he's delighted to be playing in central midfield again
6
James Milner admits he's delighted to be playing in central midfield againCredit: Reuters

The Kop vice-captain, 31, was preferred to Alberto Moreno for the majority of last season in defence but, now, has been forced to wait for his chance in Klopp’s midfield.

In the 7-0 battering of Maribor in Slovenia two weeks ago, Milner was arguably the team’s best player.

Yet it was only his third start of the season — he has subsequently kept his place for the mixed results against Spurs and Huddersfield.

The home Champions League clash against Maribor should be straightforward but this is proving to be a strange group, as proved by Spartak Moscow’s 5-1 win over Sevilla on October 17.


SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET


 The Englishman was becoming frustrated after being used as a left-back
6
The Englishman was becoming frustrated after being used as a left-backCredit: Getty
 Milner is keeping the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the side
6
Milner is keeping the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the sideCredit: Reuters

Milner said: “Last season, I was asked to do a job as well as I could. At the time I said ‘I do not enjoy it’ — but the team comes first and you do what is asked. That is always the case.

“At the start of season, the manager pulled me in and said he was looking more at midfield for me, which I was delighted with, but I did not play much after that. It has been frustrating.


KOP CROCK SHOCK Two first-teamers set to miss game against Maribor


"The manager picks the team and if that’s not happening, you have to try and force your way in.

“I have played the last three games and, hopefully, done enough to stake a claim. We have so many games there will be rotation, injuries and suspensions. You have to perform as well as you can.”

 Milner is taking advantage of Liverpool's midfield injury crisis
6
Milner is taking advantage of Liverpool's midfield injury crisisCredit: Reuters
 The likes of Adam Lallana have not played this season
6
The likes of Adam Lallana have not played this seasonCredit: PA:Press Association

Klopp generally plays 4-3-3 and there is no doubt their offensive three is pretty decent regardless of who is selected.

The German looks likely to start Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after Philippe Coutinho’s hip problem ruled him out of training yesterday.

Klopp will also assess Joe Gomez, who has picked up a knock, and Roberto Firmino’s cramp issues.

Sadio Mane (hamstring) and Adam Lallana (thigh) are on the verge of returning but not until after the international break.

Yet Liverpool’s weakness is the midfield three as they do not possess a naturally gifted defensive player to protect their dodgy back four.

Curiously, despite the arrival of Andy Robertson from Hull, Moreno has nailed down a permanent spot at left-back despite the fact as good as he is going forward, he is not particularly good at defending.

 Milner will be hoping to keep his place at the heart of Klopp's starting XI
6
Milner will be hoping to keep his place at the heart of Klopp's starting XICredit: Rex Features
Liverpool 3-0 Huddersfield: Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum score but Mohamed Salah misses penalty

Milner, while he may not get fans on the edge of their seats, works extremely hard.

He helped his team to a 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town on Saturday and has warned Liverpool not to be complacent against Maribor, who have won both their Slovenian domestic games since their home embarrassment.

He added: “Hopefully we won’t take them lightly. You don’t get to the group stages without being a strong side.

“I think the group is a strange one already. Anything can happen.”

Kop gaffer Klopp added: “After the 7-0, maybe people think we would not respect Maribor any more but we know how strong they can be. We have to do it again.

“Maybe it is a challenge for a lot of people to be 100 per cent spot on but it’s my job to make sure we are all 100 per cent spot on. If we win 1-0, I am fine.

“We know how hard we fought to be in the Champions League and to let it slip through our fingers because we are not 100 per cent concentrated would be crazy.”

LIVERPOOL (likely): Karius, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Klavan, Moreno, Can, Wijnaldum, Milner, Salah, Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Topics