Imagining How Liverpool Would Best Use Transfer-Target James Milner

The most credible report linking Liverpool with Manchester City midfielder James Milner came via Oliver Kay in The Times earlier in January.

Milner is a player who has long been linked with a move to Merseyside and was previously linked back in the summer, as reported by Tom Hopkinson and Neil Moxley of the Sunday People.

The 29-year-old England international polarises opinion, particularly among England supporters, some of whom deride his selection in the national side ahead of flair players.

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But the truth is that every trophy-challenging squad needs players such as James Milner—and he'd be a quality addition at Anfield.

With his contract expiring this summer, Liverpool—according to Kay—were in pole position to sign Milner on a free transfer at the end of the season after the breakdown in contract negotiations with City.

Since then, City boss Manuel Pellergrini has said that he hopes Milner stays at Eastlands: "I hope that James will stay here and he will sign his contract in the next few days," per the Manchester Evening News.

That new contract hasn't been signed yet, though, and Liverpool will be hoping Milner turns it down to move to a club where he will be a regular feature rather than a squad player deputising in myriad roles.

Sub Role

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At City, Milner has become their Mr. Deputy, hamstrung by his own versatility—even filling in up front recently during a striker shortage. Right-midfield, left-midfield, centre-midfield, attacking midfield, Milner has been asked to play them all, doing so efficiently and effectively each time.

Brought on as a substitute on 13 occasions this season, subbed off six times and an unused sub another three times (via ESPN FC), Milner has only started 10 Premier League games (out of 21) this campaign, featuring as a sub in eight others.

Will the Yorkshireman become tired of being used in this manner? Surely he will be seeking regular first-team football in a role that can become his at this juncture.

Role

So could Liverpool offer this to Milner?

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Quite clearly, the Reds' midfield is going to require a rather significant overhaul this summer, with the impending departure of Steven Gerrard to L.A. Galaxy and likely departure of Lucas Leiva either this month or in the summer.

Joe Allen has failed to impress and hold down a place in Brendan Rodgers' side, leaving only Jordan Henderson as a starting midfielder (putting Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho into the category of attacking midfielders).

Ideally, Rodgers will acquire a ball-winning, combative, robust holding midfielder this summer, one who can dovetail with Henderson and Milner, depending on which formation the manager opts for.

A midfield of Henderson and Milner would be the most hard-working in the Premier League. 

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Milner would be a good signing for #LFC, if not an iconic replacement for Gerrard.

— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesTimes) January 8, 2015"

One thing that's often overlooked about Milner, due to him being asked to play in so many different roles, is that he can contribute goals and assists—he's far from prolific, but it's something you imagine would hugely improve given a consistent role within a side.

He has a pretty credible six assists to his name this season, as per Premier League, which is more than any member of the Liverpool squad, per ESPN FC. That figure's made even more impressive by the aforementioned appearance data and his use in different roles.

Best Use

Liverpool, therefore, would be best to use Milner in a consistent role, giving him the responsibility to lead the side in midfield.

Rodgers has assembled a group of technically gifted young players in need of experienced leaders such as Milner to guide them. Signing Milner on a free transfer would be an extremely savvy piece of business.

He may not be a glamorous name, but every squad needs hard-working professionals. Dirk Kuyt was derided by some, but he had an important role to play during his time at Anfield.

Much is made of how Gerrard leads the club and is a true professional at training, Milner would certainly provide a new leader in that respect.

A move for Milner makes sense for both Liverpool and the player.