Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers shrouded new summer recruit James Milner in praise, following the midfielder’s fine performance that included the winning goal at Suncorp Stadium.
The 29-year-old looked every bit a two-time Premier League winner for his new club against Brisbane Roar, after a highly productive display in the centre of midfield.
Milner, who was drawn to the club due to his desire to play centrally, appears to have the full backing of the manager.
“He’s a top-class operator and I think playing in this team and at Liverpool he’ll probably shine even more,” Rodgers said.
With plenty of conjecture and Liverpool fans incessantly debating who will partner skipper Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park, it now seems abundantly clear that Milner will in all likelihood be that man.
“Players will always have a favourite position. Sometimes when you’re such a great professional, you can get moved about – it’s an attribute that is good to have as a player,” Rodgers said.
“But every player will want to play in their main position and James probably suffered a little bit from being such a good player and such a good footballer.
“He has played at right-back, wide on the left, wide on the right, as a striker, a midfield player. You always want players like that in your squad, but as a player you want to play in your favourite position.”
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Rodgers is set to present the experienced professional with an opportunity to replicate his career-best form, as Liverpool desperately look to break into top four calculations this season.
“Probably the best season James ever had was at Aston Villa playing as a central midfield player,” the Reds boss said.
“He’s going to be huge for us and working close at hand with him I can see why he’s regarded as a top-class professional.”
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