Jordan Henderson perfectly sums up James Milner as ex-Liverpool star breaks Premier League record
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Jordan Henderson Perfectly Sums Up James Milner as Ex-Liverpool Star Breaks Premier League Record
James Milner, the 40-year-old veteran midfielder now with Brighton & Hove Albion, has etched his name into Premier League history by making his 654th top-flight appearance, surpassing Gareth Barry's long-standing record from 2017. This milestone came in Brighton's match against Brentford, marking a testament to Milner's extraordinary longevity and professionalism.[1][2]
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson delivered a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on their time together at Anfield. "I was very lucky to have Milly as my vice-captain at Liverpool, although I didn’t see him as that. I saw us as a pair of captains," Henderson told The Guardian. He praised Milner's unbreakable spirit: "You could never break him. No matter how bad the situation, no matter what’s thrown at him, I always felt that he would react in the right way and come back stronger."[1][2]
Milner's Liverpool legacy is immense. Joining on a free transfer in July 2015, he made 332 appearances across all competitions, scoring 26 goals and providing 45 assists. In the Premier League alone under Jurgen Klopp, he featured in 230 games with 19 goals and 26 assists. He was pivotal in winning the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup, embodying leadership in the dressing room.[1][2]
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Joined Liverpool | 01.07.2015 |
| Liverpool appearances (all comps) | 332 |
| Liverpool goals (all comps) | 26 |
| Liverpool assists (all comps) | 45 |
Jurgen Klopp echoed the sentiment, calling Milner indispensable: "Of all the success we had at Liverpool, nothing would’ve happened without him." Klopp highlighted Milner's organizational role, from running the dressing room to setting fine rules for tardiness—details lost when he departed.[2]
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and fans alike celebrate Milner as more than a record-breaker; he's a symbol of resilience, from his Leeds United debut at 16 to triumphing over setbacks. Henderson's words perfectly encapsulate why Milner stands alone atop the Premier League appearances list.[1][2][4]
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