Liverpool are still reeling from a disastrous performance in Europe against Napoli – but fans are calling for one player to leave Liverpool following their poor run of form.
James Milner has struggled in central midfield this season and his performances as a fill-in for Thiago, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson have been poor.
The 36-year-old is in the final year of his deal and probably didn’t expect to play the minutes he has done at the start of the season so far.
Fans are happy to point the finger his way, and all the stats show if you couldn’t see for yourself watching the game, that he is really struggling in the twilight of his career.
Liverpool fans watching James Milner start a Champions League game in 2022: pic.twitter.com/EY7lginVgH
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 7, 2022
Milner’s poor showings
The Napoli game really hammered home the idea that Milner could be potentially past it, in terms of playing for an elite side.
People have been quick to target him, but at 36, he’s defying the odds to still be an important member of a top side.
Although, all of his appearances this season have been as a result of injuries sustained by key players, who would otherwise start over the veteran defender.
But the stats do not make for good reading: According to WhoScored, Milner is being dribbled past more than any other player in the entire Premier League this season per 90 minutes (3.8).
"We all love James Milner, don't we… but he seems a little bit past it!" 🗣️@FreStyleDM wasn't keen on his inclusion in the team before he went on to give away an early penalty! 😳#Milner #Liverpool #Napoli #UCL #GamedayLive pic.twitter.com/ZYZNxDHomo
— DR Sports (@drsportsmedia) September 8, 2022
In the Champions League game last night, it was extremely evident. According to WhoScored, Milner was the lowest-rated outfielder in the Champions League this week (5.20).
His match stats read – 9 losses of possession, 4 fouls committed, 2/10 ground duels won, 1 penalty conceded, 1 time dribbled past and 0/1 crosses completed. It was a sorry showing.
In the last year of his current deal, worth £150k-a-week, it’s extremely likely there will be a midfield shift next summer, as Klopp looks to re-vitalise his engine room.
Milner will still have a role to play from now until the end of the season due to Liverpool’s injury record, but fans will be hoping he has a reduced role going off his early season form.
