James Milner arrived at Melwood for his first day of pre-season training as a Liverpool midfielder today, boasting a reputation as a player who possesses a potent mix of talent, commitment and experience.

The Englishman arrives on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Manchester City but his free transfer status is no reflection on his standing over at the Etihad Stadium.

Milner helped the Blues claim two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup during his stay, but it is a search for a new challenge that brings him to Anfield.

It is the latest step on a journey that began at the age of just 16, when the Leeds-born youngster was handed a debut by his hometown club.

Milner became the second youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League when he replaced Jason Wilcox to make a brief appearance against West Ham United in November 2002.

And he soon claimed the record as the youngest-ever scorer in the competition by notching against Sunderland at the age of 16 years and 356 days - though he has since surrended the accolade to James Vaughan.

Unfortunately for Milner, his stint in the first team of the club he supported growing up was cut short, with Leeds forced to sell him to Newcastle United following their relegation in 2004.

The Englishman spent four seasons contracted to the Magpies - one of those out on loan with Aston Villa - before a permanent move to Villa Park was agreed.

By then he had already clocked up 169 top-flight appearances aged just 22, and his rise to prominence continued in the Midlands.

He helped Martin O'Neill's team to consecutive sixth-placed finishes in the league before earning long-overdue recognition at senior level with England.

Famously, Milner holds the record for the most appearances for the Three Lions' Under-21 team with 46, having been a regular between the ages of 18 and 23.

Unlike many talented English youngsters, the midfielder was forced to wait to come of age before stepping up to the full side in an August 2009 friendly meeting with the Netherlands.

But both Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson have relied on him since, with 54 full caps the result.

Inevitably, an international call-up only served to further highlight Milner's progress, and in the summer of 2010 title-chasing City swooped.

James became a regular under both Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini in five years at the club, picking up every domestic trophy on offer in the process.

He also added to his reputation as a selfless player, willing to put the team cause above personal glory. 

Kopites are sure to take Milner to their hearts when he evidences those characteristics at Anfield next season.