Anfield News

MILNER DELIGHTED TO BE FINALLY BACK INTO HIS FAVORED MIDFIELD ROLE

Publish By Yayo

Experienced Liverpool star James Milner has admitted to the club’s official website that he is delighted to be back in midfield.

The former England international played last season at the somewhat unfamiliar role of left-back, and despite expressing his discomfort in the position, performed reasonably well.

At the start of the season, the manager pulled me in and said he was looking at me more in the midfield now, which I was obviously delighted with. I didn’t play too much after that, but after that it’s down to me to force my way into the team, if you like.

The manager’s always got to pick the team and he’s got a tough decision every time he does that because we’ve got a talented group of players and competition for places.

Although he insisted that the team comes first and that he was happy to deputise at left-back, Milner couldn’t hide his happiness to be back in the middle.

So for me, as a player, you just want that chance to show. Over the years in my career, hopefully I’ve done enough to get a chance and now I’ve played a few games I just want to keep improving and keep contributing to the side.

Obviously last season I was asked to do a job and did that as well as I could. I said at the time that I don’t enjoy playing there, I didn’t like it, but the team always comes first and you do what’s asked of you and that’s always the case.

Andy Robertson was signed from Hull in the summer, helping Jurgen Klopp to establish some depth at left-back. Along with this, Alberto Moreno has significantly improved in recent months, ensuring that Milner’s days at left-back are over.

The 31-year-old hasn’t been featuring all too frequently this term, though, with a host of players being selected in the centre by Klopp.

But I’ve definitely felt myself enjoying my football again in the midfield this year and I just want to get out there and contribute as much as I can to the side.

Competition for places is sure to become even more fierce next summer, when Naby Keita arrives in a £48 million deal from RB Leipzig, adding to the midfield depth.