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Liverpool news: ‘I was so happy we signed him, he is the most important player’ - Thompson
LIVERPOOL legend Phil Thompson believes James Milner has become his former club’s most important player.
Milner has been Mr Dependable in a Liverpool side that was unbeaten in the Premier League heading into today’s match at home to Newcastle.
The former England international has played in a variety of positions, including at right-back in recent weeks.
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Thompson understands why the likes of goalkeeper Alisson, centre-back Virgil van Dijk and top goalscorer Mohamed Salah grab the headlines at Liverpool.
But he believes Milner deserves more credit for his role in the team.
From the first moment I heard whispers that Liverpool were going to sign him I thought ‘absolutely fantastic’
And Thompson admits he was delighted Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015.
“I think he is [Liverpool’s most important player],” Thompson said on Sky Sports.
“Probably in the dressing room, he’s not the captain, but he behaves like a club captain in the way he goes around. He is wonderful.
“From the first moment I heard whispers that Liverpool were going to sign him I thought ‘absolutely fantastic’.
“Every game you can see his focus is right.
“His performances are eight out of 10, doesn’t like his standards to drop at all, and you see that wonderful spirit that he has in him.
“You can see him transferring that into the dressing room either during training or before matches, whether he’s in the team or not. And he’s been absolutely terrific.
“Every Liverpool fan loves him for what he does, his commitment.
“We’ve seen him playing at right-back, we’ve seen him in midfield, different positions, how many games did he play at left-back? He’s that sort of player.
“This is a relatively young side so you need somebody like that around the place.
“You talk about the goalkeeper, you talk about Van Dijk, you talk about Salah - this fella is Mr Consistency.
“If he continues this vein, he will be up there when the plaudits come out at the end of the season.”
Milner was left out of the squad to face Newcastle at home on Boxing Day.