‘Freak of nature’: how James Milner closed in on Premier League record

James Milner, the 40-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, has shattered the Premier League's all-time appearances record, reaching his 654th match against Brentford on Saturday, eclipsing Gareth Barry's mark of 653 set in 2017.[1][2][3]

Dubbed a "freak of nature" for his extraordinary longevity, Milner's career spans 24 seasons since his debut for Leeds United at age 16 in November 2002. He equalled Barry's record last week at Aston Villa and now leads Ryan Giggs (632), Frank Lampard (609), and David James (572) in the all-time list.[1][3][4] With 11 Brighton fixtures left, more milestones loom, including potential challenges to outfield player age records held by Teddy Sheringham.

Milner's journey took him through Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton, amassing three Premier League titles (two with City, one under Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool), plus Champions League, FA Cups, and more. Klopp, who oversaw 230 of his appearances, hailed him: "Of all the success we had at Liverpool, nothing would've happened without him."[2] At Liverpool (over 35% of his games), Milner was pivotal in the club's golden era.

Statistically relentless, he boasts 56 goals—including the youngest-ever Premier League scorer record (16 years, 356 days, later beaten)—and 90 assists, peaking at 12 in 2009-10 with Villa. He's unbeaten in 55 matches where he scored (44 wins, 11 draws) and holds the oldest penalty scorer mark at 39 years, 239 days.[1][4]

Despite debates over minutes (40,476 pre-record) and starts (435 of 653), Milner's durability defies critics like Graeme Souness, who once dismissed teams of "James Milners." Seven years older than Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler, the Leeds lad with the unchanging haircut has redefined endurance, facing legends like David Seaman and outlasting 51% of Premier League players.[2][3]

His record, forged in versatility and quiet professionalism, seems untouchable for decades.

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