Do we want Ivory Coast to get knocked out?

Do we want Ivory Coast to get knocked out? by James Rea

James Milner’s contract situation has been up in the air for a while now, and it is high time the issue got settled.

Simply put, Manchester City need to do all they reasonably can to keep the English midfielder on their books, as he is a player that is often criminally underrated. The Guardian are reporting that the midfielder is stalling on contract talks.

It speaks volumes that when Manchester City faced an injury crisis, Milner was the name that came to the fore when considering alternative emergency measures up front. The problem is that James Milner’s versatility seems to become a stick to beat him with rather than a matter of praise.

these high profile games are merely the gloss on a very important player

Yes, the boring James Milner jokes are funny, but you should not make the mistake of confusing that with a uninspiring player on the pitch.

James Milner has displayed his ability best in the games against Bayern Munich, but these high profile games are merely the gloss on a very important player for Manchester City.

Milner’s ability to beat a man, and then deliver a decent ball into the box had been so crucial for Manchester City. For a supposedly dull player, he uses more step-overs than many other highly rated “exciting” midfield players.

As has been well documented, James Milner is apparently seeking more assurances as to his playing time at the club before putting pen to paper on a new contract. Given that Pellegrini has been using the midfielder more and more this season you would think that this is a hurdle that can be overcome in negotiations.

Having James Milner in your squad is a boon for a number of reasons.

One, he can play both centrally an on the left. He has previously expressed a preference for the central role but given Manchester City’s lack of natural left wingers his abilities are best used there

Two, he closes down players like few else in the team do. Playing Milner ahead of Gael Clichy for example gives you a much better option against sides with pacy players on the right. Milner also contributes immensely in regaining position in the middle of the pitch.

Three, he is an experienced Premier League player who rarely gives a bad performance. No, he’s not David Silva, but his attitude and resilience provide so much for Manchester City to build upon. I’m in danger of belittling the physical and technical attributes he has that impact upon a game here, but his influence can often be seen upon the rest of the team and this is what we need most of all in difficult matches.

In short, give him one hell of a contract. He’s worth it.