Right or left winger in the 4-3-3…
This is where Milner has been used predominantly at City. He’s equally adept on the right or the left, and offers as much defensively as he does offensively in this position. As a result – he’s often played wide in big matches against the best sides – much like Park ji Sung used to be at Manchester United.
Milner has a fantastic cross, and actually makes a number of key passes from this position. He registered seven assists for City last term as a result of both of these key attributes – which is why City’s various managers have been so happy to use him wide. His end product is good, but he doesn’t possess the magic or speed to produce moments out of nothing from here – which is why he’s not an especially fashionable winger.
In terms of consistency though, we’ll always know we’ll get an honest job from Milner, and he’ll make chances, too. His set-piece delivery is also an improvement on what we already have.