"I'm not in the least bit surprised Jurgen Klopp refuses to let him out of his sights" – Pundit refers to 'unflappable' Liverpool star in glowing terms after Manchester City win

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Garth Crooks has lauded Liverpool midfielder James Milner for his performance in his team's recent 1-0 Premier League win over Manchester City.

The Reds handed Pep Guardiola's side their first Premier League defeat of the ongoing season at Anfield on Sunday, October 16. After a competitive first half, Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with an emphatic run and finish past an on-rushing Ederson.

Milner, 36, started his third Premier League match against the reigning champions, filling in at right-back in the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. He completed 19 passes, won one tackle, registered four clearances, won six duels and completed six recoveries during the contest.

In his 'Team of the Week' column on BBC, Crooks heaped praise on Milner for his professionalism on the pitch against his former club. He wrote:

"Milner has been playing so long you're inclined to forget he was once at Manchester City where he achieved tremendous success. No one thought when he left the Etihad for Anfield that he would have gone on to greater things but he did."

Crooks labeled Milner "dependable" as showcased by his robust performance against an in-form Phil Foden on the right flank. He added:

"His performance against his former club in Sunday's 1-0 win at Anfield was extraordinary. Milner is unflappable, dependable and above all an exceptional professional, and I'm not in the least bit surprised Jurgen Klopp refuses to let him out of his sights."

The former Manchester United player concluded:

"Professionals like Milner only come around once in a generation and it is to Liverpool's credit that they have retained his services."

Milner, who is set to be out of contract in June 2023, has registered one assist in 13 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Trent Alexander-Arnold set to return to Liverpool starting lineup next match

Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to action during a late cameo against Manchester City after suffering an ankle injury last week.

Alexander-Arnold, 23, picked up the injury during his team's 3-2 loss at Arsenal on October 9. He was sidelined for the Reds' dominating 7-1 UEFA Champions League win over Rangers on October 12.

Gomez filled in for Alexander-Arnold against Rangers and maintained his place in the first-team at centre-back against City. With Konate recovering from a muscle issue and Matip out with a calf injury, he is expected to continue at centre-back in the Merseyside outfit's next clash against West Ham United on Wednesday (October 19).

Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is expected to replace Milner in the starting lineup for Liverpool's next Premier League match at Anfield.