12 August 2023 , 14:17
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has claimed Liverpool have been unable to replace James Milner this summer despite them bringing in two midfielders, with more likely to follow.
The Reds have undergone a dramatic transformation of their midfield in the transfer market. A clutch of stars left a few months ago at the end of their respective deals including Milner, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Naby Keita.
Those outgoings continued with captain Jordan Henderson ending his long stint at Anfield with a move to Al-Ettifaq. He was then joined in Saudi Arabia by Brazilian teammate Fabinho. Despite the signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, with more set to arrive, Alexander-Arnold is under no illusions over who he thinks is the biggest miss - Milner - and has suggested that he is aiming to claim the former Man City man’s role as a leader with Liverpool.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I play a role by making sure I drive standards every day. Losing Milner, you can’t replace that directly. It will take numerous people. Others have to step up. We need to make sure that the way he kept driving us forward is replaced.
“I am self-aware. I know I will never be a James Milner. I will never be that type of leader but the leadership qualities I do have, I need to show and they need to be seen and heard and used in a way that is effective for the team. I need to keep pushing forward to try to achieve the things I want to achieve.”
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Milner signed a deal with Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton, and made his league debut for the club on Saturday afternoon against Luton.
James Milner left Liverpool at the end of last season (Getty Images)Where do you think Liverpool will finish this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
One man who will be keen to see the veteran once again is Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp. Speaking shortly after Milner’s exit, the German said: “A pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment [it] means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really.
“I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word 'role model'. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100 per cent ready.
“It's a pure example; absolutely outstanding. [It was] a challenge because especially in the beginning everything was alright when he was starting, but when he didn't start then that was a bit tricky. I never saw a bigger mood change in an instant!”
Following all of their midfield exits, Liverpool have attempted to strengthen with the signings of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively. They have attempted to raid Milner’s new club once again after agreeing a deal for Moises Caicedo, with Klopp confirming an agreement between the Reds and Brighton.