Gini Wijnaldum Claims James Milner Is Among the Very Best After Making 500th League Appearance

Following Liverpool's empressive demolition job at Bournemouth over the weekend, Mohamed Salah has rightly earned himself even more plaudits following his three goal/five star performance. 

However, not only did the win cap a fine game for the Egyption, it was also James Milner's 500th Premier League appearance, making the Englishman just the 13th player to reach the landmark. 

Speaking after the game, Milner's teammate ​Georginio Wijnaldum has been quick to praise the recent record maker. 

Three points to mark a fantastic day for @JamesMilner! 

5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Premier League appearances.  pic.twitter.com/AaeRjCApwS

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 8 December 2018

Talking to the Star on Sunday, the Dutchman posed the question: “Which player in the world can you play in every position in a team and he will do really well in all of those positions?" 

He answered himself: “There is no-one, apart from ​Milner. He has played in so many different roles and he is always brilliant. That’s why I rate him among the very best at the top.”

Since making the move to Anfield back in 2015, Milner has made 111 premier league appearances with ​the Reds. The 32-year-old has acted as useful squad member throughout, with his ability to rotate through a series of different positions when needed being a massive asset. 

Milner has impressed the most in central midfield this season, but in years gone by he has played out wide, and for a point he had to deputise at left back before Andy Robertson had established himself as a regular.  

Wijnaldum furthered his praise, stating that he admired both the versatility and the attitude of the club's number seven, saying: “What Milner is capable of at this level I have never seen other players do. Wherever the boss puts him on the pitch he will always be better than his opponent and will always do a great job for the team.

“Some players get frustrated when they have to switch positions. But with Milner, you’ll never see a mood swing. His attitude just stays the same.”

Hat-trick hero @MoSalah refuses to take his Man of the Match award and hands it over to @JamesMilner on his 500th Premier League appearance. 

 Watch the reaction to #AFCB 0-4 #LFC on Sky Sports Premier League or follow here: https://t.co/gCPPirCr0K pic.twitter.com/l7kmzOeuVt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) 8 December 2018

The Dutch midfielder was not alone in his praise for Milner with ​Salah insisting that the Englishman receive the man-of-the-match award despite his hat-trick following the Bournemouth win. 

Milner will need have to be at his best this week as Liverpool face an important Champions League decider against Napoli in the UCL midweek before facing Manchester United in the league on Sunday.

Source : 90min