Steven Gerrard was on the last lap of his Liverpool farewell and Brendan Rodgers was considering the merits of two midfielders at different points in their career.

It was not quite a direct choice between the emerging talent of MK Dons’ Dele Alli and Manchester City’s out-of-contract James Milner, but resources and squad balance meant it made little sense to pursue both.

While admiring the rich potential of Alli, then 18, Rodgers and his chief recruiting officers, Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows – both of whom worked with Milner at City – were certain of the older man’s qualities.

“Signing Milner was a no-brainer. He is a proven winner,” was the unanimous conclusion.

Although there were later laments, certainly by Rodgers, about the decision not to compete with Tottenham Hotspur for Alli, as the midfield rivals fight for club football’s ultimate prize, Milner could have done no more to vindicate his and Liverpool’s judgment.