Former Man City midfielder James Milner has been at Anfield for a little under five weeks, but already he’s earned himself a significant leadership role with the Liverpool starting XI.
According to the Liverpool FC official website, Milner has been appointed the vice-captain of the squad and will serve in the No. 2 leadership role behind team captain Jordan Henderson entering the 2015-16 season.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is expected to make the formal announcement later today but the move should come as a surprise to no one. Rodgers has raved about Milner since the Reds acquired him on a free transfer out of Man City on July 1.
“He (Milner) is someone I admired from the outside for a long time,” Rodgers told reporters. “He’s played at this level since he was 16 years of age and has played for some fantastic clubs.
“He went to Man City and did a great job and when the possibility he was going to be available, obviously you’re surprised but then you’re hoping you can get him to come to your club because he’s the type of player who gives everything.
“His actual football talent has probably gone under the radar because he’s played around some outstanding talents, but this is a guy who works tirelessly at his game. He’s in here at 7.45am in the morning making sure he’s prepared for his training, getting all of his food supplements and getting everything correct before training – he’s in two-and-a-half hours before he trains and then does his work, gives his maximum. He prepares himself like an elite player should.
“He’s also got big character and a big mentality, and I felt we needed that in the team to the extent where he will be the vice-captain this year.”
Rodgers made the decision to appoint star midfielder Jordan Henderson the team captain to fill the position held for years by team legend Steven Gerrard.
“Jordan has been appointed the captain, but he’ll be a great ally for him because he leads by example. James is a wonderful, wonderful footballer and a big personality in the dressing room as well.”
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