James Milner an “Absolute Revelation” for Liverpool at Left Back

It’s difficult to say just what the future holds for James Milner. He’s been unexpectedly solid playing at left back regularly for the first time in his career, and that at the age of 31, but what comes next really is anybody’s guess. He’s played well enough at least that it seems entirely possible he keeps the job going into next season.

Few would be surprised, though, if he were to make his way back into midfield or perhaps end up displaced by a more traditional left back. All options seem equally likely right now. About the only thing that is sure is that James Milner has impressed at left back, and it’s not something many could have said they saw coming.

“The first time I heard that Milner was playing left back, I must admit I wondered what on earth was going on,” was Reds legend Terry McDermott’s admission this week, with the midfielder who won three European Cups and six league titles at Liverpool having been left just as surprised as everyone else by Milner’s switch.

“I knew, from working with the lad at Newcastle, that he was versatile and a valuable squad player who could help the team in a variety of positions, perhaps including right-back at a pinch, but he has surprised a lot of people, and surpassed himself, with his performances at left back. He has been an absolute revelation.”

What the future might hold for Milner beyond the end of the current season really is anyone’s guess at this point, but it would be foolish to count him out as a regular contributor for the club next season again. Somewhere, at some position. Maybe in goal, depending on how everything else shakes out.