Liverpool’s James Milner was hailed as one of the best players in the Premier League after a dominant display against West Ham in the Reds’ opening game of their league campaign.
In what was a masterful performance from Milner, who controlled the tempo of the game, created chances, delivered accurate crosses and covered every blade of grass on the pitch – something fans have become accustomed to.
The former England international was rightly named the Sky Sports man of the match. Check out an overview of his commanding display below:
?Man of the Match, @LFC ‘s James Milner
Most in match in all of these categories
122 touches
Completed 95/102 passes
3 chances created
7 crosses
12.55km distance covered pic.twitter.com/GcXM31PQqH— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 12, 2018
It’s worth noting that Milner delivered this man of the match performance all whilst sporting stitches in his head following a collision during pre-season.
Despite being 32, the former Manchester City midfielder seems to be the opposite of slowing down, in fact Milner during his time at Liverpool has delivered some of the best performances of his career to date.
See More: Video: Daniel Sturridge scores just seconds after coming on to send Liverpool top of Premier League
Milner is a Premier League veteran who today made his 486th Premier League appearance in what is his 17th Premier League season.
Milner already sits in 8th place of all time assists list in the Premier League and this season will likely break into the top 10 of the all-time Premier League appearances table.
Check out what Liverpool fans had to say on Milner’s performance today:
MOTM. At 32 he’s still bossing the midfield with unbelievable amounts of energy and getting better by the game. His desire to set up Mane’s first goal and tireless performance all round. We’re lucky to have a player like James Milner. pic.twitter.com/Py6qmxeczj
— . (@VintageSalah) August 12, 2018
32-year-old James Milner played with stitches in his head yet delivered a top-draw performance, covering pretty much every blade of grass. What a professional.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) August 12, 2018
James Milner is the best player in the Premier League.
— Jack (@EllandReports) August 12, 2018
Also, how is James Milner 32 years old?
— – (@AnfieldRd96) August 12, 2018
Everyone’s excitement over the new players & an apparent ‘ageing’ James Milner gives us a fantastic MOTM performance. He’s the definition of a top professional, Yorkshire Modric
— ' (@GerrardsPrime) August 12, 2018
James Milner will be 73 years old and he would still do a job in midfield
— – (@AllezTheReds) August 12, 2018
Here is my pick of the bunch:
Should be a criminal offence to not rate James Milner, fittest player in the team makes assists in his sleep, no flashy shit just hard fcken work
— RILEY (@lfc_riley) August 12, 2018