Liverpool FC gaffer Jurgen Klopp has been warned by former Irish international Andy Townsend to curb his reliance on the ageing James Milner as the season progresses.
Milner has been handed an extended run of first-team involvement in recent weeks owing to the injury crisis affecting Liverpool FC’s backline forcing Klopp to slot in his midfield options of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho at the heart of the defence.
The 35-year-old midfielder is a trusted lieutenant at Anfield ever since Klopp took charge of the Merseysiders due to his ever-increasing work ethic and tireless energy on the pitch but Townsend believes that Milner’s advancing age means that the former Manchester City man is now suited for a more sporadic role in the Reds shirt.
Speaking to TalkSport, Townsend made his thoughts clear on Milner turning out ever so often for the Premier League holders of late as the Irishman said that despite being a brilliant professional, the ex-England international was no longer in a position to put in a shift across 25 games.
“He is still a great squad player, he is still a fantastic pro, but you are not going to put James Milner in that team and all of a sudden think.”
“Wow, he is ready to stay here for another 25 games. I can play him every week.”
“You can’t do that.”
Milner had been relegated back to the bench for Liverpool FC on Sunday night at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp men suffered a devastating blow to their title-retention hopes following a 4-1 loss to the visitor’s Manchester City.
