Manchester City midfielder James Milner recently scored both goals in the Sky Blues’ FA Cup third round victory against Sheffield Wednesday, and it caps what has a fantastic season for the England international.
While previously a player that would be brought out to help kill the game when City were protecting a lead, Milner has found himself as the focal attacking point under manager Manuel Pellegrini, and his transformation has been very impressive.
This season, the 29-year-old has made five assists in 10 league starts, creating 34 chances. He successfully operated in the ‘false nine’ position while the Sky Blues suffered an injury crisis to all three of their attackers (Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko, Steven Jovetic), and has even seen his manager pleading for him to sign a new deal.
“I hope we will find an arrangement. I have said already what I think about James Milner. He is very useful. He always plays with 100 per cent commitment and intensity. I am very happy for him,” said the City boss.
Only Jesus Navas (19) has featured in more Premier League games than Milner this season, while the former Aston Villa man has played in 17 consecutive league outings, which highlights his value to the team.
He’s featured in every game of their Champions League campaign too, and is no more being regarded as the second choice in the Manchester City team. Despite having far superior playmakers in the squad, Milner has been a mainstay under Pellegrini and predecessor Roberto Mancini, and this season has really shown why.
The England international’s versatility, industry, commitment and discipline has never been in question, but supporters perhaps didn’t realise that he’s technically proficient. Normally operating from the wing, Milner has great distribution to match surprisingly good agility and balance, and he’s engrained perfectly into the City mantra now.
To have lasted five years at the Etihad Stadium with so many big names having come in and out is testament to the Englishman and how much he’s worked on transforming into more than a benchwarmer for the title-chasers.
Goals have been few and far between for the Citizens ever since he joined, but his growing creativity has seen him directly competing with Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas for a starting place. He’s found himself dropped to the bench for the England side recently, but manager Roy Hodgson has a real selection headache ahead of their internationals to come.
So is the perception all wrong of the transformed James Milner now? Is he’s far more expressive than he’s ever been?
