First there was King Kenny. Then came King Luis. Now, arise King James. Liverpool have a long and not so distinguished history when it comes to No 7s.
From the dazzle of Dalglish and Suarez to the best forgotten David Speedie and Nigel Clough. Few, though, have quite the infectious tenacity and industry of James Milner.
One of the glaring problems from Liverpool’s capitulation at the Britannia Stadium in May, was that the midfield was far too lightweight. And that’s putting it kindly, they were bullied. That wasn’t a one-off either because away performances last season were littered with white flags. Manchester City and United, West Ham, Crystal Palace, it goes on.
But already three games in, no committee is needed to decide who Brendan Rodgers’ most astute signing has been to rectify that issue. Milner’s free transfer from Manchester City has injected much needed steel into the Reds’ soft centre.
All the focus over the summer surrounded the unenviable task of replacing the iconic Steven Gerrard but his name has barely been uttered so far this season. Yes, they were unconvincing against Stoke and perhaps fortunate against Bournemouth, but the performance at Arsenal proved there is real substance to their revival. It all starts with Milner.
Combative throughout at the Emirates, the 29-year-old has got an edge to him that saw Liverpool survive a second-half onslaught – the kind that when faced last term would see them crumble. The stand-in skipper led the way and others followed and it shows the Rodgers class of 2015-16 are made of sterner stuff.
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In pre-season, he displayed his creative side and when Philippe Coutinho’s surgical through-ball found Milner in the first half, he showed damage will be done in the future when he bursts into the box. But what he does best is the dirty work – closing down opponents and making a nuisance of himself. That makes such a difference as it allows the Reds to keep the pressure on.
Rodgers demands his players play a high energy, high passing game and Milner is proving already he’s ideal when it comes to matching the manager’s approach. When you just take into consideration his 14 starts for City last season, his figures were 2.4 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game.
It’s not just his proficiency in that regard that impresses, it’s where he wins the ball back. Time after time on Monday, possession was won back deep in Arsenal territory and it instigates slingshot-like attacks from a key area of the pitch.
For all of Milner’s ability to wipe the canvas clean, though, there is still a need for an artist to paint the masterpiece. If he is the steel, then Coutinho is the heart of this Liverpool side, both complementing each other.
The Brazilian has already proven to be the leader of men with his winner against Stoke and has shown a greater responsibility from an attacking point of view in the last two games. A perpetual threat, he hit the post and bar in the capital, putting the supremely talented Alexis Sanchez in his shadow.
The question that has hung over the darling of the Kop throughout his 107 appearances is whether to play him in the front three or in midfield. But the rapid development of his relationship with Christian Benteke should be taken into account. So far they’ve created eight chances for each other and linked up well to create opportunities for others.
In midfield it’s clear Coutinho’s influence is still strong but regardless, his desire to influence every part of Liverpool’s play shows he is ready for greater sense of leadership this season. The question now is whether this Reds side has enough to challenge for any crown.
