Jurgen Klopp explains reason for James Milner right-back stint

On the day of his 500th Premier League appearance, James Milner was deployed in the unfamiliar position of right-back.

It’s a switch which typifies the quality and versatility of Milner, who’s played in almost every position on the pitch to this point in his career.

The former England midfielder has played a significant amount of football for Jurgen Klopp at full-back, slotting in at left-back prior to the arrival of Andy Robertson.

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Since the Scotsman has bedded into life at Anfield, however, Milner has played predominantly in his preferred central midfield role.

With the injury to Joe Gomez coming prior to a difficult trip to the counter-pressing Bournemouth, Liverpool needed all the experience on the field they could manage, and Klopp chose to field Milner at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The German claims it comes as no problem to the 32-year-old.

“It’s no problem. I thought it could be a problem, but obviously he would have even played goalkeeper in game number 500!

“We need to be flexible, all of us, in the [busy festive] period – different positions, different jobs to do in the games.

“But it’s only slightly different and Millie knows it from his time at left-back. We are a very offensive-orientated team, which means he is very often in a comfortable area.

“With his experience, and especially against Bournemouth with the counter-attack, you need all the defensive skills as well.

“Fraser, Brooks, Stanislas or whoever are all nice and speedy, King as well.

“It’s a job to do, but it’s nice to be part of the 500th Premier League game of Millie.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com