A clip of James Milner making sure that standards are maintained during a Liverpool training session shows how crucial characters like him are in winning environments. You can see the footage below.
The 36-year-old midfielder, who has spent six trophy-laden years at Anfield, made the 800th appearance of his senior club career in Wednesday night's Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
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In total, Milner has averaged 40 games per season across his 20-campaign professional career; a journey that includes 275 appearances for Liverpool and 203 for current Premier League champions Manchester City.
James MIlner has been playing professional football for longer than the CL Round of 16 has existed
He continues to strive for only the best. The above clip, for example, from that Liverpool training session, where the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jordan Henderson are competing in a Rondo, shows his incredible drive and determination.
You can hear Milner shouting "keep playing" and "run them into the ground" as his teammates try and keep the ball away from the defenders.
The former Leeds United man has maintained such high standards for years. Back in 2018, he turned up at Liverpool's pre-season training camp in America looking ripped ahead of the new campaign before blitzing the annual bleep test.
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And last year, some fans couldn't quite believe what the experienced midfielder was still capable of producing in regards to his overall fitness.
Milner took to social media to post his splits for an 8km run and his ability to maintain such a pace remains impressive, despite his age.
Pre season number 20 👨🦳#grinding #wishwecouldskipthisbit
Sun's out, guns out 💪 James Milner looks like he's spent his whole summer in the gym 😳
Milner is certainly not slowing down and earlier this week, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he has asked the club to open talks with the player about a new deal.
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With his contract ending in the summer, Klopp wants him to be involved in next season's campaign.
"There is no chance Milly will retire next year, he is desperate to play on and I understand," the German said.
"Life after your career, when you are lucky enough to stay healthy, is much longer than your career so you usually extend your career as long as you can if you can play football.
"I think Milly will be fine after his career as well but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely."
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@KeepitonthedeckTopics: Liverpool, James Milner, Premier League, Jurgen Klopp