Player Focus: Why Milner & Ings Will Prove to be Astute Liverpool Acquisitions
June is barely upon us, and yet Liverpool have already made two signings this summer, acquiring the services of both James Milner and Danny Ings from Manchester City and Burnley respectively. The acquisitions of the duo generated mixed reactions from the Reds faithful, with some suggesting the pairing are real coups for the club, while others feel Liverpool should be aiming higher with their signings.
Regardless, the Premier League experienced twosome will be plying their trade at Anfield next season and it’s fair to say both players have the ability to improve the Reds. Focusing initially on Milner, the England international enjoyed a commendable end to the season with Manchester City before moving on to pastures new. 2 goals and 1 assist in his final 3 appearances saw him end the campaign with 5 goals and 7 assists to his name, his best return since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2010.
Milner began to really come into his own as the season came to a head, though a lack of first team action during his time in Manchester ultimately convinced him that his future lay elsewhere, with Liverpool the beneficiaries of his decision to depart the two-time Premier League champions. Brendan Rodgers evidently convinced him that the best decision was to turn down the chance to extend his spell at the Etihad and instead move to Anfield, with the promise of a regular starting berth and more action in the middle of the park key to the 29-year-old’s decision to swap a sky blue shirt for a red one.
In the wake of Steven Gerrard’s move to MLS, a spot in central midfield opened up with Liverpool, with Milner theoretically the perfect player to replace the departing veteran Englishman. Milner’s tenacity and energy is one of his stand out qualities and has helped him gain a statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘defensive contribution’. Rodgers demands his players play a high energy, high pressing game, with Milner ideal when it comes to matching the manager’s approach.
An average of 2 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game is a respectable return for a player who made 14 league appearances from the bench last season. Factoring in just starts, however, those figures, as one would expect, rise to 2.4 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per league match. ‘Stealing the ball from the opposition’ also happens to be a strength of Liverpool’s and it’s reasonable to suggest that Liverpool and Milner are perfectly suited to one another.
For a creative player in the middle of the park, the average number of tackles and interceptions are impressive and would help the team instigate swift attacks in a key area of the pitch. 1.6 key passes per game - again a return that rises when factoring in just starts (2.5) - was bettered only by four Liverpool players last season. With Liverpool’s offence built around slight, nippy attackers, Milner’s ability to win the ball and spot a defence splitting pass in a relatively short space of time will benefit the Merseysiders.
One of those he could be feeding the ball to next season is Ings, who will join Milner at Liverpool this summer. His capture has been met with some scepticism, though he can rightly be considered an astute signing given his age and potential to improve. The 22-year-old netted 11 times in the Premier League last term, more than any Liverpool player (Gerrard was the Reds’ top scorer with 9), and given Burnley scored only 28 league goals last term, Ings’ return is perhaps more impressive than meets the eye.
In his debut campaign in England’s top tier, Ings impressed on more than the odd occasion and it’s no wonder Liverpool moved to secure his services on the back of Burnley’s relegation. The underwhelming performances of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert, coupled with Daniel Sturridge’s injury and Fabio Borini’s expected departure, meant Liverpool needed to swell their attacking ranks. Ings may not be the marquee recruit to meet the demands of the fans, but he is still an astute signing nonetheless.
The England U21 international could provide a focal point to the Liverpool attack, something of a necessity given their striking woes last season. His aerial prowess is one of his best strengths, despite standing at a relatively modest 5’10”. Only Peter Crouch, Charlie Austin, Diafro Sakho and Harry Kane (all 5) netted more headed goals in the Premier League last term than Ings (4). Though not quite the big name frontman supporters crave, Ings will offer an alternative attacking threat for the side in their quest to return to Europe’s elite competition.
The disappointing displays of the players brought in with the funds acquired following Luis Suarez’s transfer to Barcelona understandably saw the board tighten the purse strings in the club’s attempts to improve. Milner and Ings may not be in the upper echelons of world class talent in football, but are two impressive pick ups by the Merseyside club.
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