James Milner

[BlueTG]

He should be playing the same role as Henderson at Liverpool; central with the freedom to bomb forward, in a midfield 3 with Toure the most advanced and Fernandinho sitting.

It's naïve and moronic to suggest he'd find himself at Stoke should he leave us; Chelsea would love him, especially with Obi and Lampard set to go. A proper manager like Mourinho would love the chance to have him. Spurs, Liverpool and Everton would certainly take and utilise him properly.

His performance against Fulham was superb, as he has been on numerous occasions this season. I think we just have to accept that some people will never give Milner the credit he deserves; when he put in some very competent performances central earlier in the season, doing the exact same things Fernandinho does, passing the ball well, closing down, he was deemed not up to the job.

I'm not sure if many people on here actually watch games that don't involve City, but in the 2009-10 season when he played regularly in central midfield for Villa, he was as good as anyone else in the League. Like Fernandinho, but stronger, a better passing range and a bigger goal threat. Believe it or not, we didn't spend £26m on him because of his ability to put a shift in on the wing.... Fabio Capello even played him there in the 2010 World Cup.

This is the kind of ridiculous hyperbolic nonsense I'm talking about. Chelsea would love him? Are you on drugs?!

Liverpool and Everton?! Have you seen the way they play? Technical, intricate, short sharp passing game. Not exactly suited to the way Milner plays.

You're suggesting he's better than Fernandinho. Now the guy saying he's better than Muller you can put down to not seeing much of Muller, so it might be an honest mistake. But you've probably seen lots of Fernandinho and Milner so to think Milner is as good or better just shows a complete lack of understanding of football at the elite level.

At that level, reading the game, quick decision making and immaculate technique are worth a whole lot more than running around a lot aimlessly and "dying for the shirt".

I like Milner as a squad man, but don't compare him with Muller and Fernandinho. They are two of the best players in Europe. Milner is back up to the first team for a top 6 side, or a starter in a mid table team.

Better comparisons for him are Darren Fletcher, Leon Osman, Chris Brunt, Steven Nzonzi. That's Milner's level. I like him as a character, he always tries his best but the fact people mention him in the same breath as some of the best midfielders in Europe just proves my point that among City fans he's the most overrated player since the takeover.

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

Same bracket as Chris Brunt and Nzonzi. Fucking hell I've read it all now.
Which one has played just short of 36 games in a PL title winning team and been fighting either for the top 6, top 4 of league title since 2008?

I'm not making him out to be Iniesta, but you're making him out to be a fucking Gelson Fernandes here.

 

[Shaelumstash]

He should be playing the same role as Henderson at Liverpool; central with the freedom to bomb forward, in a midfield 3 with Toure the most advanced and Fernandinho sitting.

It's naïve and moronic to suggest he'd find himself at Stoke should he leave us; Chelsea would love him, especially with Obi and Lampard set to go. A proper manager like Mourinho would love the chance to have him. Spurs, Liverpool and Everton would certainly take and utilise him properly.

His performance against Fulham was superb, as he has been on numerous occasions this season. I think we just have to accept that some people will never give Milner the credit he deserves; when he put in some very competent performances central earlier in the season, doing the exact same things Fernandinho does, passing the ball well, closing down, he was deemed not up to the job.

I'm not sure if many people on here actually watch games that don't involve City, but in the 2009-10 season when he played regularly in central midfield for Villa, he was as good as anyone else in the League. Like Fernandinho, but stronger, a better passing range and a bigger goal threat. Believe it or not, we didn't spend £26m on him because of his ability to put a shift in on the wing.... Fabio Capello even played him there in the 2010 World Cup.

This is the kind of ridiculous hyperbolic nonsense I'm talking about. Chelsea would love him? Are you on drugs?!

Liverpool and Everton?! Have you seen the way they play? Technical, intricate, short sharp passing game. Not exactly suited to the way Milner plays.

You're suggesting he's better than Fernandinho. Now the guy saying he's better than Muller you can put down to not seeing much of Muller, so it might be an honest mistake. But you've probably seen lots of Fernandinho and Milner so to think Milner is as good or better just shows a complete lack of understanding of football at the elite level.

At that level, reading the game, quick decision making and immaculate technique are worth a whole lot more than running around a lot aimlessly and "dying for the shirt".

I like Milner as a squad man, but don't compare him with Muller and Fernandinho. They are two of the best players in Europe. Milner is back up to the first team for a top 6 side, or a starter in a mid table team.

Better comparisons for him are Darren Fletcher, Leon Osman, Chris Brunt, Steven Nzonzi. That's Milner's level. I like him as a character, he always tries his best but the fact people mention him in the same breath as some of the best midfielders in Europe just proves my point that among City fans he's the most overrated player since the takeover.

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

To be honest, I find the comparison of Milner and Muller to be a bit embarrassing.

If Bayern sold Muller could you see him at Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton? Similarly if City sold Milner could you see him at Bayern, Barca, Madrid? The gulf between them is huge.

 

[hallstreetblue]

This is the kind of ridiculous hyperbolic nonsense I'm talking about. Chelsea would love him? Are you on drugs?!

Liverpool and Everton?! Have you seen the way they play? Technical, intricate, short sharp passing game. Not exactly suited to the way Milner plays.

You're suggesting he's better than Fernandinho. Now the guy saying he's better than Muller you can put down to not seeing much of Muller, so it might be an honest mistake. But you've probably seen lots of Fernandinho and Milner so to think Milner is as good or better just shows a complete lack of understanding of football at the elite level.

At that level, reading the game, quick decision making and immaculate technique are worth a whole lot more than running around a lot aimlessly and "dying for the shirt".

I like Milner as a squad man, but don't compare him with Muller and Fernandinho. They are two of the best players in Europe. Milner is back up to the first team for a top 6 side, or a starter in a mid table team.

Better comparisons for him are Darren Fletcher, Leon Osman, Chris Brunt, Steven Nzonzi. That's Milner's level. I like him as a character, he always tries his best but the fact people mention him in the same breath as some of the best midfielders in Europe just proves my point that among City fans he's the most overrated player since the takeover.

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

Same bracket as Chris Brunt and Nzonzi. Fucking hell I've read it all now.
Which one has played just short of 36 games in a PL title winning team and been fighting either for the top 6, top 4 of league title since 2008?

I'm not making him out to be Iniesta, but you're making him out to be a fucking Gelson Fernandes here.

Now Iniesta, there's a player. Could watch him all day long :) I don't think you can reason with Shaelumstash mate. His mind's made up on that one it seems.

 

[BlueTG]

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

Same bracket as Chris Brunt and Nzonzi. Fucking hell I've read it all now.
Which one has played just short of 36 games in a PL title winning team and been fighting either for the top 6, top 4 of league title since 2008?

I'm not making him out to be Iniesta, but you're making him out to be a fucking Gelson Fernandes here.

Now Iniesta, there's a player. Could watch him all day long :) I don't think you can reason with Shaelumstash mate. His mind's made up on that one it seems.

Hope we delve into our pockets for Nzonzi then if Milner leaves.

 

[Shaelumstash]

I think you have to take each individual game on merit , there are some games that are made for Milner , the games where we play one up front against top sides are made for Milner but i think that if we just think that way we are doing him a disservice.

He can't beat a man, he's not technically good enough, he can't play one touch football etc...... Just some of the comments iv read on here - tbh i think they are a totally unfair , he's a very very good footballer, he might not have the flair that some of our lads have but for me is ultra reliable and even if he's below par he still gives you a level of performance that wont let you down.

How many times does navas choose not to go past his defender, even with his turn of pace and run sideways across the pitch ?? Enough times I'd say - he can be frustrating to say the least .

Navas also always also wants the ball to feet in front of the defender so he always has to beat his man- he rarely ever wants it into space behind where he can run onto the ball , past his man and create a very dangerous situation, the defender would never get back at him.

Iv watched Milner closely, i think he links up really well in wide areas and most of the time on his unfavoured left foot but as we know this allows him to cut inside onto his stronger foot with possibilities of a shot , playing one twos etc....

Any player that comes up against Milner , either having to mark him or trying to beat him , would tell you after 90 mins they've had one tough 90 minutes of football.

He's tough, brave and you just know all the players trust him 100% , i think we all agree on this but the opinions start to differ on his technical ability.

I think he's much better technically than some give him credit for and i can honestly say i am not disappointed when i see him start.

If he's happy at how much football he's getting , for me he should be a dead cert for a new deal although i must be honest, i think he's been underused this season in my honest opinion.

It's not necessarily his technique that lets him down, it's his decision making and football brain. He lacks the composure to play the final ball.

His decision making isn't quick enough, particularly in central midfield. It takes him a fraction of a second too long to decide which pass to play, and that slows down our momentum.

 

[hallstreetblue]

This is the kind of ridiculous hyperbolic nonsense I'm talking about. Chelsea would love him? Are you on drugs?!

Liverpool and Everton?! Have you seen the way they play? Technical, intricate, short sharp passing game. Not exactly suited to the way Milner plays.

You're suggesting he's better than Fernandinho. Now the guy saying he's better than Muller you can put down to not seeing much of Muller, so it might be an honest mistake. But you've probably seen lots of Fernandinho and Milner so to think Milner is as good or better just shows a complete lack of understanding of football at the elite level.

At that level, reading the game, quick decision making and immaculate technique are worth a whole lot more than running around a lot aimlessly and "dying for the shirt".

I like Milner as a squad man, but don't compare him with Muller and Fernandinho. They are two of the best players in Europe. Milner is back up to the first team for a top 6 side, or a starter in a mid table team.

Better comparisons for him are Darren Fletcher, Leon Osman, Chris Brunt, Steven Nzonzi. That's Milner's level. I like him as a character, he always tries his best but the fact people mention him in the same breath as some of the best midfielders in Europe just proves my point that among City fans he's the most overrated player since the takeover.

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

To be honest, I find the comparison of Milner and Muller to be a bit embarrassing.

If Bayern sold Muller could you see him at Aston Villa, Newcastle, Everton? Similarly if City sold Milner could you see him at Bayern, Barca, Madrid? The gulf between them is huge.

Well for one, Bayern will never sell him and no, I could never ever see Barca or Real even comtemplating putting in an bid for either if I'm honest.

 

[Bpughh]

This is the kind of ridiculous hyperbolic nonsense I'm talking about. Chelsea would love him? Are you on drugs?!

Liverpool and Everton?! Have you seen the way they play? Technical, intricate, short sharp passing game. Not exactly suited to the way Milner plays.

You're suggesting he's better than Fernandinho. Now the guy saying he's better than Muller you can put down to not seeing much of Muller, so it might be an honest mistake. But you've probably seen lots of Fernandinho and Milner so to think Milner is as good or better just shows a complete lack of understanding of football at the elite level.

At that level, reading the game, quick decision making and immaculate technique are worth a whole lot more than running around a lot aimlessly and "dying for the shirt".

I like Milner as a squad man, but don't compare him with Muller and Fernandinho. They are two of the best players in Europe. Milner is back up to the first team for a top 6 side, or a starter in a mid table team.

Better comparisons for him are Darren Fletcher, Leon Osman, Chris Brunt, Steven Nzonzi. That's Milner's level. I like him as a character, he always tries his best but the fact people mention him in the same breath as some of the best midfielders in Europe just proves my point that among City fans he's the most overrated player since the takeover.

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

Same bracket as Chris Brunt and Nzonzi. Fucking hell I've read it all now.
Which one has played just short of 36 games in a PL title winning team and been fighting either for the top 6, top 4 of league title since 2008?

I'm not making him out to be Iniesta, but you're making him out to be a fucking Gelson Fernandes here.

Lol a bit ridiculous... Muller is probably the fairest comparison. I would disagree with saying Milner can do an equal job to fernandinho, though. Their just different types of athletes. Milner doesn't quite have the same natural fluency, but there's no doubt about his quality. In all honesty, I think he's been one of our most improved players this season. I've really been surprised to see how well he has coped with Pellegrini's style. He's adapted his game each and every year in order to find value in a very talented squad. For me, he's one of the few players we have making the absolute most of their potential. His professionalism is unmatched. If I had to place $ on somebody from our current crop of players making it past age 35, without falling off too much, Milner would be my bet. He might not last at city for more than 2-3 more years (although I hope he does), but I hv a strong hunch he's going making noise in England's first division for some time to come.

 

[Shaelumstash]

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

Same bracket as Chris Brunt and Nzonzi. Fucking hell I've read it all now.
Which one has played just short of 36 games in a PL title winning team and been fighting either for the top 6, top 4 of league title since 2008?

I'm not making him out to be Iniesta, but you're making him out to be a fucking Gelson Fernandes here.

Now Iniesta, there's a player. Could watch him all day long :) I don't think you can reason with Shaelumstash mate. His mind's made up on that one it seems.

Yeh my mind is definitely made up on Iniesta, one of the best I've ever seen.

Milner, definitely better than Gelson, and probably better than Nzonzi and Brunt, but he's still not a first choice starter for a Champions League level club. He's 28 and hasn't been one for his entire career, so you can't say I'm being biased against him.

 

[skybluepete]

I think you have to take each individual game on merit , there are some games that are made for Milner , the games where we play one up front against top sides are made for Milner but i think that if we just think that way we are doing him a disservice.

He can't beat a man, he's not technically good enough, he can't play one touch football etc...... Just some of the comments iv read on here - tbh i think they are a totally unfair , he's a very very good footballer, he might not have the flair that some of our lads have but for me is ultra reliable and even if he's below par he still gives you a level of performance that wont let you down.

How many times does navas choose not to go past his defender, even with his turn of pace and run sideways across the pitch ?? Enough times I'd say - he can be frustrating to say the least .

Navas also always also wants the ball to feet in front of the defender so he always has to beat his man- he rarely ever wants it into space behind where he can run onto the ball , past his man and create a very dangerous situation, the defender would never get back at him.

Iv watched Milner closely, i think he links up really well in wide areas and most of the time on his unfavoured left foot but as we know this allows him to cut inside onto his stronger foot with possibilities of a shot , playing one twos etc....

Any player that comes up against Milner , either having to mark him or trying to beat him , would tell you after 90 mins they've had one tough 90 minutes of football.

He's tough, brave and you just know all the players trust him 100% , i think we all agree on this but the opinions start to differ on his technical ability.

I think he's much better technically than some give him credit for and i can honestly say i am not disappointed when i see him start.

If he's happy at how much football he's getting , for me he should be a dead cert for a new deal although i must be honest, i think he's been underused this season in my honest opinion.

It's not necessarily his technique that lets him down, it's his decision making and football brain. He lacks the composure to play the final ball.

His decision making isn't quick enough, particularly in central midfield. It takes him a fraction of a second too long to decide which pass to play, and that slows down our momentum.

Everyone entitled to their opinion but i think your being a bit harsh -

He has only started 8 games and been a used sub in 12 i think - total of 20 but only 8 starts( in the PL only)

He has 2 assists and has had 20 shots in 8 starts and 12 sub appearances in comparison ( all stats are PL only)
David silva 19 starts zero sub appearances - 8 assists 36 shots
Sami nasri 19 starts and 5 sub appearances - 4 assists 28 shots
Ya ya 27 starts , zero sub appearances - 5 assists 47 shots
Navas 14 starts and 12 sub appearances - 6 assists 29 shots

I know stats dont tell the full story but i think youre slightly under estimating his talent and maybe his final ball or that he's not quick thinking enough .

Considering youre opinion that his final ball isn't good enough, its not that bad either and im sure with a few more 90 minutes under his belt would improve his tally further.

You also have to take into account whether or not the games Milner has started in are against the so called better teams (i didnt cheeck this- hard work !! Lol)

Either way, i get the immpression your not keen or you would rather someone else play- ( im not keen on MDM , but thts another story !!)

But , hey , this is what makes football great and such a debate and talking point -OPINIONS - love it .

If he plays 2 moro i hope he scores a hatrick .

 

[Maldeika]

This is my 22nd year here in the Fatherland. I know enough about Thomas Müller, he's a quality player. However, you're overrating him as much as you're underrating James Milner. Both amazing athletes, both grafters, both very similar. Was talking to a fellow coach and ex pro about Müller; we both agreed, he's a hod carrier amongst a group of skilled craftsmen.

So you maybe need another 22 years...

I do not want to judge Milner. But just because he might have the workrate and maybe one position Müller plays in they are not comparable.

Müller is something like an offensive allrounder with a special sense for goal and positioning. But there is no comparable player. He is unique - on the pitch and off the pitch.

And the quality... - Milner does not have the stats with 28 that Müller had with 20 or 21. That hod carrier is the top scorer in the team, not his skilled craftsmen around him. And there is not much players in Europe that have better and more consistent stats like he had the recent 5 years - bestagers not 19 to 24 year olds...