James Milner might not only be Manchester City’s most under-rated player, but also England’s. The midfielder who hails from Leeds is arguably City’s most versatile talent with the ability to play in almost every outfield position.
Milner runs out of contract at the end of May and he will have no problem in finding a new club, if the Sky Blues decide to release him. With Liverpool looking the likely destination, we will just have to wait and see where the Yorkshireman will be playing his football next season.
Since a young age, Milner was proving to be quite the athlete, excelling in various sports apart from football, like cricket and running. Born in Leeds, Milner was raised a supporter of Leeds United F.C and even went on to become one of the Club’s ball boy at a very young age. He joined the academy at age 10, which kick started his career in English football. Milner was only 16, when he made his first of his 54 appearances for The Whites becoming the second youngest player to make his first team appearance. He had a short spell at Swindon town before noteworthy spells at Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Milner was at Tyneside for four years, while he spent some time on loan at Villa during that period. He later made a permanent switch to Villa Park which prompted the young Englishman’s rise to stardom. Milner was at the club when he received his first call up to play for the England National side. He spent the following couple of seasons further making his name, during which he won the PFA Young player of the year and was awarded a spot in the PFA team of the year as well. Following impressive performances for Villa, Manchester City paid a rumoured 28.5 Million Euros for his services. The deal saw Milner move to City while Stephen Ireland went the other way. He is now four appearances short of making his 200th appearance in all competitions for City but with only three matches remaining in the season, is unlikely to achieve that feat.
While Milner does not score as many goals for his side, the Englishman’s work ethic, pace, versatility, crossing and set play ability is what makes him a great footballing talent. For City alone, Milner has played at fullback, on the wings, in the centre of midfield as well as a striker. Although he does not find himself playing in the first team week in and week out, Milner is considered to be a big game player and often starts against the top opponents, especially during his time at Eastlands. He is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet, when City face the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham because of his speed on the counter as well as his tackling ability. His numerous attributes and skills have made him one of the most versatile players in modern football. The sort of team-man you need and want in your side, Milner has never argued or grumbled at being left on the bench and has always stood up to the task when his manager needs him to. Which begs the question as to why City are willing to let him go?
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Milner has always been denied the praise that he deserves at City, making him an unsung hero at the Club. If the Sky Blues do offload the English international in the summer, it will be difficult to find a player that matches his quality. The 29-year-old still has a lot to offer and a move away to gain more first team football will definitely be on the cards. Liverpool look most likely to attain the talented Englishman’s signature and Brendan Rodgers will be more than grateful to be able to sign Milner on a free transfer.
City will face up against a relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, in a bid to finish their remaining few games of the season on a high. Milner in particular will likely be making his final few appearances for the now former champions, before he starts a new chapter in his illustrious career.
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