‘I love him’: Agbonlahor raves about Liverpool star but he ‘shouldn’t really be starting’

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Gabriel Agbonlahor has told TalkSPORT (14/09; 08:13) that although he rates Liverpool star James Milner, the Reds need to be thinking about a replacement.

Milner came on in the final minute last night as Liverpool gave their season an injection of life with a 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield.

Talk on the show this morning turned towards Liverpool having a more prominent midfield last night; with Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott all starting.

Last week, the Reds were thumped in Naples as Napoli thrashed them 4-1 with Milner a surprise inclusion in the starting eleven.

Agbonlahor claimed that he’s a big fan of Milner but has suggested that Jurgen Klopp shouldn’t be starting him in midfield these days.

He told TalkSPORT (14/09; 08:13): “I love him, I really love James Milner. But at his age now, he shouldn’t really be starting for Liverpool in that midfield during a Champions League game.”

Milner is a model professional. He’s been a Premier League player for all of his career and he’s still in elite shape when it comes to his fitness.

At 36, he has already made nine appearances during 2022/23, registering an assist against Crystal Palace in August.

Milner is close to clocking up 600 Premier League appearances and he remains a decent utility man for Klopp.

Agbonlahor says Liverpool need Milner replacement

It goes without saying that Liverpool will need to have something in mind when it comes to an alternative to Milner.

Although he’s not considered the first choice these days, Liverpool can’t keep pinning their hat on a 36-year-old given how much ambition they have.

Agbonlahor does have a point. Milner won’t be around for much longer and the club will already have midfield targets in mind.

Liverpool’s approach to transfers is very meticulous and it would be no surprise to see the Reds land a stellar midfielder during next summer’s transfer window.

Milner will be out of contract in a little under 12 months and surely he will depart Anfield when his current deal expires.