by Beefymcfc » Tue May 18, 2010 8:53 am
A view from the irrepressable Jamie Redknapp:
The former Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur star told the Daily Mail: “It's fascinating, but even though some Barclays Premier League heavyweights are knocking at his door, I'm not sure if we know his best position.”
“It seems that City would like to use him as a midfield runner - a powerhouse whose fitness will see him cover the whole pitch and bring more energy to their team. He can certainly run and, like Carlos Tevez, is not afraid of hard work.”
“I can see why City might want to sign him from Aston Villa and what he brings to their team.”
“He can fill a variety of positions but I'm not sure where he is most effective, or where he will eventually settle.”
“The cost of buying Milner is expensive, but you sign at least three players for the price of one. He can play wide and crosses with accuracy and pace, an inswinger or an outswinger. This always seemed his natural position.”
“He can play off the front, a role he will grow into with experience, like a Frank Lampard, or a Steven Gerrard, as a second striker, making full use of his range of powerful shooting and his movement. He can play in central midfield, a new position for him this season and one that has caught the eye, although I am unconvinced it is his best role.”
“City must like what they have seen this season, but if you look at his performances in the big games, teams have set about him in that midfield role in a flat four, where he has been asked to defend and protect his back line.”
“Villa lost 7-1 at Chelsea and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas gave him a bit of a chasing at the Emirates. They are the games when you have to judge his merits as a top central midfielder. He can play there, I'm just not sure it is where you get the best out of him consistently.”
“You can see watching Milner that he has a passion for the game.”
“I hear he trains like a demon and will stay behind and work hard at improving. That can set an example to others in the team.”
“He is super fit and with his team ethic transmitting to others, he will be worth his weight in gold.”
“Worth £24million? Well, he is English and he is only 24.”
“He will score more goals as he learns that side of his game and he is a good, honest player. He is a box-to-box lionhearted midfielder, with a creative vision.”
“He keeps his head and controls his emotions and is a top modern footballer, who will improve with better players.”
“I can imagine Villa wanting to keep him, but sometimes an offer like this can be too good to refuse. He has developed into a better player under Martin O'Neill because £12m looked a lot of money when he signed from Newcastle two years ago.”
Although clearly a huge fan of Milner, Redknapp believes the figures being quoted again reflect the inflated prices of the current transfer market. The former Liverpool FC and England midfielder believes Manchester United’s Paul Scholes would have cost considerably more than Milner at the same age.
He said: “I can see why big clubs want him and the versatility he has to offer.”
“One question remains: How much would Paul Scholes have been worth if he was 10 years younger? I'm estimating upwards of £30m ... at least.”
In the words of my Old Man, "Life will never be the same without Man City, so get it in while you can".
The Future's Bright, The Future's Blue!!!
