Reasons Why The Loss Of James Milner May Derail Manchester City.

"I thought at times in City, I won Player of the Month and then didn't play for three, four or five games after. I feel here (Liverpool), if I play well, I'll keep the shirt. It's down to me ." "The role of filling In, more when other people aren't available,
playing all over the field; I do not think it shows your best football." These were the words of Liverpool new boy James Milner upon signing for Liverpool from Manchester City this season. Milner might not have been the most talented or highest scoring player, but he was one of the most consistent in the team.

One aspect of his game that needs no introduction is his consistency, desire and determination . This was evident in the way he played the last games of the season even though he knew it was his last at City. The abysmal performance of City was compounded by the absence of striker Kun Aguero. In games that Aguero did not play or did not perform at his best, City would go on to lose and slip further down the table. Big players like Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Jesus Navas and Fernando did not perform at their best. Even Nasri scored a mere two goals in the season while Navas did not register any goal for the season (Terrible for a winger). Milner's utility will also be missed, given that he played in every position in attack and midfield last season . He was even deployed as a "False 9" in the absence of striker Aguero. At the end of the season he scored five goals in 32 appearances, creating an impressive 52 chances, with an average pass accuracy of 79% and won 43% average duels.

Milner sums up everything any coach wants in a modern player and it will be difficult for who ever replaces him. It was clear that Yaya Toure is past his prime, given his abysmal performance and age. Also Eloaquim Mangala who was signed from Porto for more than £32 million  was a disaster waiting to happen, all through the season and his errors cost the team valuable points.  Vincent Kompany isn't spared as he used to be one of the most dependable and best defenders in England, his performance last season was terrible but he could be excused based on his niggling injuries last season. The fact still remains that the average age of City is way higher than other premier league teams, City surely need massive rebuilding to introduce younger players. That accounts for the money £49 million spent to sign youngster Rahem Sterling. The loss of Milner might cost City dearly but time will tell.