Thursday 4 June 2015 18:55, UK
Phil Thompson has hailed Liverpool’s deal to sign James Milner and has urged Brendan Rodgers to play him in central midfield.
Milner has agreed personal terms with Liverpool and will move to Anfield once his contract with Manchester City expires on July 1, subject to a medical.
Liverpool fended off competition from Arsenal for Milner’s signature, and club legend Thompson is looking forward to the 29-year-old slotting into Liverpool’s midfield.
“I love his attitude, I love his ability, and I think it is a terrific signing for Liverpool,” Thommo told Sky Sports.
“He’s got to play in central midfield as much as he can. I was watching Sky Sports News HQ after the news broke and I think I saw he had seven assists last season, whereas Steven Gerrard only had one assist from more games.
“He lives up in this area and is happy in this part of the country – he’s a Leeds lad – so I think everything was spot on for both parties.”
“He’d also created 52 chances – that’s exactly what Liverpool want.
“I think this deal could have been pretty much done a long time ago, with him being free to speak to clubs from January. It looks as though we’ve beaten Arsenal to his signature and that’s a massive positive for the club.
“He lives up in this area and is happy in this part of the country – he’s a Leeds lad – so I think everything was spot on for both parties.”
Fellow Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claims Milner “could be competing for the captain’s armband” with Steven Gerrard leaving the club, although Thommo believes Jordan Henderson has done enough to warrant the role.
He said: “I think it would be difficult for him to come in and be handed the armband straight away. Jordan Henderson has done very well when he’s been captain.
“Jordan is a lot younger and can be captain for a long time, so I think taking that from him would be a step backwards for him personally.
“Milner has captaincy ability in him, of course, but I just think it would be the wrong move from the club because it would be unfair to put a burden on him like that.”
Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has reportedly labelled Liverpool’s latest offer of a contract extension as “unacceptable,” and Thompson believes the club must now focus on tying the Slovakian down.
“The deal just needs to be done correctly – it seems strange how it’s being done,” he said.
“Skrtel has been one of Liverpool’s most important players and the club should be moving things on as soon as possible.”
