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Liverpool news: Naby Keita and Fabinho have made one team-mate better - Phil Thompson
LIVERPOOL new-boys Naby Keita and Fabinho have contributed to the improvement in James Milner this season.
That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and legendary Liverpool defender Phil Thompson.
Milner started all of the Reds’ first six games in all competitions this season.
The 32-year-old look to have finally nailed down a starting spot under Jurgen Klopp, after spending part of his time at Anfield at left-back.
He has received huge praise for his performances this season and he has kept the likes of Keita, Fabinho and club captain Jordan Henderson out of the team on occasion.
He’s realised he’s got to up his game, because of Keita coming in, because of Fabinho coming in
And Thompson reckons the signings of Keita and Fabinho, from RB Leipzig and Monaco respectively, have spurred Milner on.
“You see this guy with the ball, he gives it and then gets it back, and it opens space somewhere else,” the Liverpool hero said.
“He has two touches maximum because these fellas are in better positions than him and they then want the time.
“Milner just feeds the ball on, he’s been an absolute revelation.
“He’s realised he’s got to up his game, because of Keita coming in, because of Fabinho coming in.
“‘I’m 32 years of age, and I’m still fit and I want to be playing in this side’.
“And I think that what he is saying is ‘With all these players around me, you’re going to have to shift me’.
“That’s the thing with bringing in players, competition.
“He has said ‘bring it on, I’m going to remain in this team’.”
Liverpool will look to make it six wins from six in the Premier League as Southampton visit Anfield this afternoon.
Milner dropped to the bench for the first time this season.
He was replaced in the starting XI by another summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri.
Both Keita and Fabinho were also on the bench.