Liverpool have been handed a fitness boost with the news that James Milner is available for the visit of Watford on Sunday.
The 30-year-old missed the 4-2 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday through illness, despite reportedly being desperate to play. As expected, though, he is now back to a full bill of health.
Liverpool’s vice-captain will be back in contention for the Premier League clash with Watford, as Jurgen Klopp‘s side look to win a seventh league game in eight attempts.
Milner has been a revelation at left-back this season, despite plenty of concerns over Klopp not bringing in a specialist in the role during the summer.
His experience and consistency have shone through, while his nervelessness from the penalty spot has been him score four spot-kicks already in 2016/17.
Although Milner will be fully expected to return this weekend, the performance of Alberto Moreno against Palace will have given Klopp a minor selection headache.
The under-fire Spaniard impressed for large chunks, and his excellent assist for Emre Can‘s goal caught the eye, in particular.
Klopp was quick to praise the 24-year-old after the game, after what was a pleasing response to being dropped back in August.
“There was never a doubt about Alberto,” he said.
“He is a young player and needs to learn a lot of things. Sometimes he’s a little bit too passionate in defending. But he is still young and can learn things.”
Moreno adds something completely to different to Milner, most noticeably pace and better balance because he is left footed, but he should remain second-choice for now.
His defensive shortcomings were exposed a few times in the second-half against Palace, and Milner brings more stability to a defence that badly needs it.
It is a nice dilemma for Klopp to have, and there will be situations during the season where he may feel Moreno is better suited.
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