page_title: James Milner
section_title: Style of play
hierarchical_section_title: James Milner / Style of play
caption_attribution_description: James Milner playing in the 2014 FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal.
context_page_description: James Philip Milner is an English professional footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool. A versatile player, he has been used in multiple positions, including on the wing, in midfield and at full-back. Milner is Liverpool's vice-captain.
  Milner's talent in football, cricket, and long-distance running was recognised at a young age. He represented his school in these sports and played football for amateur teams from Rawdon and Horsforth. He supported Leeds United from a young age and was a season ticket holder at the club. In 1996, he joined the Leeds Youth Academy. He made his debut for the first team in 2002 aged only 16 and gained prominence as the youngest player to score in the Premier League, and later spent time on loan at Swindon Town to gain further first-team experience. After Leeds United were relegated at the end of the 2003–04 season, Milner was sold to Newcastle United.
  Milner went on to make over 100 appearances for Newcastle United, winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2006, and spent a year on loan at Aston Villa, before signing for Aston Villa permanently in 2008.
context_section_description: Milner is renowned for his versatility; across his career, Milner has played as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder and as an attacking midfielder, as well as on the wing, and as a full-back, with Milner's preferred position being as a central midfielder. During his time at Leeds United, Milner predominantly played as a winger, before moving into central midfield during his time at Aston Villa.
  Milner is regarded as being a tenacious footballer. As a result, his main role on the team is as a wide midfielder who creates scoring opportunities, as well as taking the ball past defenders. While Milner does not score many goals, he does have a good record at providing assists, with over 80 in the Premier League placing him 8th all time. Nolberto Solano, a former teammate, said that because of his ability, Milner would "become an important team player". After his move to Newcastle, he began playing more as a winger. He has been described as "comfortable on either wing". He has also been used occasionally as a central midfielder, a striker and as an emergency right-back, generally during an injury crisis. Manuel Pellegrini, who managed Milner at Manchester City, described Milner as the most complete English player in the modern game praising his all round ability, commitment, performance level and versatility.
  Milner has the ability to pass accurately and shoot from a great distance from goal. As a result, he usually goes forward for set pieces and is often a candidate to take corners and free kicks. Critical opinion is divided as to Milner's crossing ability. While some commentators have been critical of his ability in this area, other journalists have said that Milner can produce accurate crosses.
  Milner, in his time at the club, was described on the Newcastle United official website as "a good reader of the game". This awareness allows him to pass the ball from a range of positions to teammates making forward runs, as well as giving him the confidence to take on defenders. His awareness and willingness to pass have been called mature for a player of his age.
  Milner played in a number of different positions for Aston Villa, including both wings, in central midfield and even as a right back.> Under Jürgen Klopp, Milner spent all of the 2016–17 season playing at left-back for Liverpool. Milner stated he did not enjoy playing as a left-back but also said: "It's about whatever's best for the team and ultimately I just want to be out there playing games, contributing and helping this football club." He also played in a holding role and in a box-to-box role on occasion, drawing praise in the media for his dynamism, energy, work-rate, and consistent performances. In 2015, The Telegraph included him at number seven in their list of "The top 20 most under-rated footballers of all time," describing him as: "hard-working, reliable and intelligent."
caption: Milner playing for Manchester City in the 2014 FA Community Shield
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