Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for James Milner after Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, insisting his side would not enjoyed the success they have in recent seasons without the Reds vice-captain.
The 36-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, made his first Premier League start since January 2 when given the nod at St. James’ Park against his former club, and was one of Liverpool ’s standout performers as they ground out a 1-0 win to move top of the table.
And Klopp compared the midfielder to Real Madrid’s Luka Modric when explaining his importance to the Reds, despite limited game-time, when speaking after the final whistle.
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“Outstanding. Milly is Milly. He’s incredibly important for us,” the German told reporters. “People think we talk about dressing room and leadership.
“Yes it is helpful, it’s very helpful especially with a manager who isn’t a native speaker. But on the pitch as well, he played a super game.
“I don’t want to take anything from him but I liked Naby and Hendo as the six, it worked out really well. The boys were on fire. I really liked the game and James was a massive part of that.
“It would be interesting to look at Luka Modric. Is he not 36 as well? Obviously a good generation. It’s difficult to be fitter than Milly, he's a role-model.
“I told him, nothing that we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner. Easy as that. Whether he’s on the pitch or not.
“He stands out in a way not a lot of people can stand out. He’s educated all of us.”
