Jurgen Klopp, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s greatest managers, transformed Liverpool into a powerhouse after taking charge in 2015. Inheriting an ageing squad and a fractured connection between players and supporters, Klopp rebuilt the team with smart transfers and by fostering unity within the club.
While many players from his debut match against Tottenham Hotspur were swiftly replaced, Klopp kept several seasoned leaders who became vital to Liverpool’s success. One such figure was James Milner.
Signed by Brendan Rodgers before Klopp’s arrival, the veteran English midfielder was initially made vice-captain under Jordan Henderson. Despite uncertainty after Rodgers’ exit, Milner became instrumental during Klopp’s reign, contributing to Premier League and Champions League triumphs.
Klopp’s admiration for Milner has been evident throughout the years. After a 2022 match against Newcastle, Klopp praised Milner’s influence both on and off the pitch, saying:
“He’s a role model… nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner. He’s set standards in a way not many can, and that’s educated all of us.”
Milner, who played across various positions including full-back and midfield, made 332 appearances for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023. Though often overlooked by the wider football community, his consistency and professionalism earned deep respect from Klopp and teammates alike.
Milner’s Liverpool Stats
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 230 | 19 | 27 |
| Champions League | 53 | 2 | 12 |
| Europa League | 12 | 2 | 3 |
| FA Cup | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 17 | 2 | 4 |
| Others | 9 | 0 | 0 |
In his first press conference as Liverpool boss, Klopp dismissed the need for drastic change, instead expressing confidence in several existing players. Among them, James Milner received special recognition, with Klopp calling him a “complete” footballer
