Following another standout performance against Brighton last weekend at Anfield, Tony Cascarino stated that Liverpool midfielder James Milner deserves legendary status within the Premier League era.
The 32-year-old has reputation for being one of the hardest working players in football and he has consistently contributed assists and goals, both for club and country.
Milner has been an integral part of six clubs during his career, beginning at Leeds United’s Academy before making his breakthrough to the first team in 2002.
Whilst at Aston Villa, Milner was named the 2009-10 PFA Young Player of the Year.
During his five season at Manchester City, he won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
In 2016 he helped Liverpool reach the Europa League Final. During last season’s UEFA Champions League campaign, Milner set a new Champions League assists record, beating a record previously held by Wayne Rooney and Neymar.
Milner made a record 46 appearances for the England U-21s. He also played 61 appearances for the senior team, representing his country in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2012 and 2016 UEFA Euro Championships.
Milner currently has 488 Premier League appearances, 17 more appearances will see him break into the 10 top list for the league and surpass totals set by Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Sol Campbell.
It is not surprising then that Times columnist Tony Cascarino wrote that Milner deserves to be called a Premier League legend:
“James Milner has played for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, and has been great for all of them. There are few people who can say they have excelled for every club they have played for.
“We talk of Premier League legends, but Milner has been a professional since he was 16, he won titles with City and now he is part of an excellent Liverpool team – and has played in several positions.”
Milner who is represented by the PFA's Player Management team, has also been recognised for his achievements off the field, in 2012 the James Milner Foundation was formed which supports the NSPCC, Bloodwise, Help for Heroes and other regional sporting initiatives. It has raised over £600,000 for beneficiary charities since forming.
.jpg)
