NewsLiverpool's Greatest - No.48: James Milner
Years: 2015-2023
Appearances: 332
Goals: 26
Trophies: Champions League (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), Premier League (2019-20), League Cup (2022), FA Cup (2022)
“Everybody talks about not being the side who won one trophy, we want to be remembered for having a successful era. That’s what I wanted to be a part of when I signed for the club.”
That mission was absolutely accomplished during James Milner’s eight years as a Liverpool player.
The man with the most Premier League appearances in history has represented multiple teams with distinction across an outstanding career, but became indelibly linked to the Reds.
Signed on a free transfer at the age of 29 in 2015, Milner was immediately installed as vice-captain to Jordan Henderson – and the pair would be the chief standard-bearers throughout a generation of glory.
“Without Millie, it wouldn’t have been possible,” said Jürgen Klopp.
Brought to the club by Brendan Rodgers, the No.7’s time at Anfield would, though, be served almost entirely under the management of Klopp, who was appointed three months later.
He made 45 appearances in his debut season as the new boss began to reshape Liverpool – who were beaten in the League Cup and Europa League finals – before spending the entire 2016-17 campaign at left-back to help secure a return to Champions League football.
Hard-working and tough, but full of quality as well, the uncompromising midfielder continued to be crucial as Klopp’s team ascended, reaching the European Cup showpiece in 2018 – with Milner supplying a record nine assists during that run – and winning it a year later.
After a total of 97 points was not enough to end the Reds’ wait for a league title, Milner featured 22 times in the division when 99 points comfortably got the job done for a hugely dominant Liverpool team in 2019-20.
They were UEFA Super Cup and, for the first time in LFC history, FIFA Club World Cup winners that term too.
The Englishman’s skillset also included a calm head from the penalty spot – Milner converted 19 of the 21 kicks he attempted for the Reds.
While his appearances began to be largely from the bench during his final seasons, the value of his leadership never diminished and he was frequently deployed to ensure Liverpool saw games out.
Having added League Cup and FA Cup medals to his collection amid a quadruple tilt in 2021-22, Milner moved on in 2023 with the grateful acclaim of Anfield.
“I’m Leeds through and through and always have been and always will be,” he said. “But I never probably thought that another club would get into me as much as Liverpool has.”
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