Liverpool midfielder James Milner has been criticised by the media following his cameo at full-back against Everton on Saturday.
The 36-year-old replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold as an auxiliary right-back, but was immediately targeted and exploited by Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray.
The Reds were in a good period when the former Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City man came on, with many noticing the sides’ decline in his presence.
“Substitution hasn’t worked at all. Understand Trent has been poor but he’s capable of delivering big moments. Milner so clearly struggling. Matip would’ve been a much better call,” said The Anfield Wrap’s Leanne Prescott.
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Raj Chohan added: “Almost a costly substitution, Milner trying to stop a counter-attack, like a fish out of water. If Maupay didn’t have the finishing issues that he also showed at Brighton then it would be 1-0 Everton.”
Milner has come under criticism for his performances this season after signing a one-year extension at Liverpool, but is only featuring so prominently due to the injury crisis the Reds currently have.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have both been left out of the initial UEFA Champions League squad, whilst Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara are only just coming back to fitness.
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Jordan Henderson should be out for a while too, but Arthur Melo is likely to plug a gap in the position.
At 36 Milner is likely to have one more season before leaving the Reds, with whom he has made 296 appearances in all competitions, scored 26 goals and featured in almost every position thinkable.
Albeit his tenure and influence is coming to an end, the Brit will have a role to play in any endeavours the Reds wish to have this campaign with his experience and discipline being valuable in big moments.
A cameo at full-back against fast wingers, though? Maybe out of his depth at this stage of his career.
Topics: Liverpool, Everton, James Milner
Chris Stonadge