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James Milner joins Liverpool: Why did Milner choose Anfield over a move to Arsenal or staying at Manchester City?

The out-of-contract player has agreed a switch to Anfield

Simon Rice
Thursday 04 June 2015 12:55 BST
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James Milner during his time at Manchester City
James Milner during his time at Manchester City

James Milner has agreed to join Liverpool when his contract with Manchester City officially expires.

The deal is something of a scalp for the Reds, with Milner wanted by a host of clubs and offered improved terms by Manchester City. Arsenal in particular were keen on signing the 29-year-old England international.

So how did Liverpool, a club that failed to qualify for the Champions League and who in recent years have seen their prized assets depart or ask to leave, win the battle for his signature?

In addition to the obvious necessity of paying Milner competitive wages, his decision to join Liverpool has been most influenced by the likelihood of starting matches and where he will play.

At Manchester City, the lack of starts was a constant source of frustration for the former Aston Villa player. Over the last three seasons he never started more than 20 of their 38 Premier League games. The most recent season he had 18 starts and 14 off the bench whilst the year before that it was just 12 starts and 19 substitute appearances. During 2012/13 he enjoyed 20 starts with seven further appearances as a replacement.

At Liverpool, where there is much less competition for places than City, he can expect to be starting every week - particularly considering the departure of Steven Gerrard. The likelihood of starting at Liverpool is also much better than it would have been at Arsenal where Arsene Wenger already struggles to accommodate his midfield talents.

Milner has also found himself slotting into the 'versatility player' category due to his ability and energy to play almost anywhere on the pitch. It saw him regularly used out of position at Manchester City.

Discussing where he likes to play earlier this year, Milner said: "Attacking central midfielder because with my engine, I can get forward and back.

"When you play wide sometimes, you have to be disciplined and wait for the ball to come to you and hold your shape for the team, whereas in the middle, if things aren’t going the way of the team, you can get involved and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

"In the middle you get more involved in the game and can change the game."

It sounds like the mantra that departing Gerrard played by in his more youthful days. And with Liverpool's captain departing for LA Galaxy there is a hole in the Reds' midfield ripe for Milner to fill - another major factor in his decision to move to Anfield.

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