To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

CIES' Premier League Team Of The Season Has Raised A Few Eyebrows

CIES' Premier League Team Of The Season Has Raised A Few Eyebrows

Well, this is different

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

He might not be a left-back by trade but a study has found that Liverpool's James Milner is one of the continent's most proficient players in that position.

The former Manchester City and Aston Villa man initially joined the Reds looking to re-establish himself as a central midfielder but has been used on the left side of defence by Jurgen Klopp for pretty much all of this season.

The Premier League table shows Liverpool are hardly the stingiest defenders in the division, given Klopp's men have conceded 42 times throughout the 2016/17 campaign - only eight more than relegated Middlesbrough.

Milner stopping Southampton's Soares from getting the ball into the box from the left flank. Image: PA

But despite that, a study based on performance analysis and statistics by the CIES Football Observatory found that of all footballers who've played more than 2,000 minutes this season, only Juventus' Alex Sandro, Real Madrid's Marcelo and David Alaba of Bayern Munich have had a more impressive season than Milner.

As well as Milner, Manchester United midfield pair Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba make the middle of the park with Coutinho and Pedro on the flanks.

While Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku spearheaded the official Premier League Team of the Season, CIES have Aguero leading the line with teammate Kevin De Bruyne behind him.

Check out the team in full:


Klopp might have a left-back on his shopping list for the summer, but perhaps this could make him think again.

Should Liverpool keep Milner at left-back? What do you think?

This story was first featured on talkingbaws.com - simple, shareable sport. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Premier League