Henderson: Milner is a role model for all of us
Jordan Henderson has revealed how Liverpool were eager to mark James Milner's 500th Premier League game with a victory at Bournemouth on Saturday as he described him as a role model for footballers of all ages.
The vice-captain did celebrate the milestone with three points as the Reds romped to a 4-0 win on the south coast to go top of the Premier League table, though he was deployed in the unfamiliar berth of right-back.
Nevertheless, Milner produced a typically assured display, which came as no surprise to Henderson.
He wrote in his column for the official matchday programme: “There have been so many big moments the last week – ranging from the derby win, through Burnley away and then Bournemouth – that to single one thing out is hard, but I think it’s deserving.
“Our gaffer summed it up when speaking to a few of us after the game. Look at the list of players who have made 500 Premier League appearances and you only see ‘greats’. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Emile Heskey are names that Liverpool supporters know are on there already. But we can now add James Milner to it and every single player in our dressing room is delighted we managed to mark it with a win for him at Bournemouth.
“It’s typical of Millie that he didn’t say a word about it either on the day or in the build-up. It’s also typical that he was asked to play right-back for it – not a position he is used to playing – yet did a fantastic job for the team without any quibble. He was excellent at right-back, just as he was when he went to left-back at Burnley, just as he is wherever he is on the pitch. The manager even said he’d play in goal if he had to, and I honestly believe that’s true.
“Millie’s career in numbers is frightening when you look at it. I saw that, after his good mate Gareth Barry, he is the second-youngest to reach this milestone. It blows my mind when I see how fit and strong he is that appearance number one came back in 2002 when he was just 16 years old!
“I know it’s something that is often trotted out for players like Millie, but to say he’s a role model for young players is such an understatement. He’s a role model for players of my age as well. If ever there was a person who made sure there were no excuses when it came to preparation and performance it’s him. He does everything possible to be available to contribute for the team in whatever capacity he is asked and probably has been undervalued in some quarters during his career. It makes me laugh when I see people talk about his hard work and his attitude but fail to mention his ability and quality.
“His assist record in domestic and European football – as well as his goals contribution – demonstrates why he is so important for every team he’s played in. You don’t do what he’s done without having genuine top-class qualities.
“He won’t thank me for saying any of this so I’d better leave it there, but given how he fit he still is now, 600 or even 700 games can’t be ruled out in the future. On behalf of all the players it was a privilege to be part of game number 500.”
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