There has always been something reassuringly predictable about James Milner. Even the announcement about his future felt less a case of news than a confirmation of what most expected. It would have been more dramatic if Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane had declared they had agreed a new contract at Liverpool. Instead, to no great surprise, Milner put pen to paper on a one-season deal. It granted Jurgen Klopp his wish, the Yorkshireman taking the same attitude, fitness levels and haircut into a 21st consecutive Premier League season.
Milner completed a clean sweep of trophies at Anfield with the Carabao and FA Cups. He may yet extend his own unofficial record as the oldest man to win the bleep test. Milner turns 37 in January and, if his longevity and adaptability feel ever more remarkable, his unchanging Milnerness makes it seem entirely natural that a footballer who has played against David Seaman is still wanted for a team who are famous for their high-intensity running.
