Leeds reunite with James Milner on Saturday at the Amex Stadium.
The Leeds academy graduate – who made 54 appearances before joining Newcastle in a £5m deal in July 2004 – is currently in the twilight of his career with Brighton, and on track to surpass Gareth Barry in the list of Premier League appearance makers.
Most Premier League appearances
Gareth Barry – 653
James Milner – 645
Ryan Giggs – 632
Frank Lampard – 609
David James – 572
As Leeds prepare to see James Milner once again, the Brighton No.20 has been praised by Daniel Farke.
Daniel Farke backs “fantastic” James Milner to break even more records before retirement
Milner might not get onto the pitch against Leeds due to a minor muscle problem, but Farke still dedicated a large segment of his press conference to eulogising over the 39-year-old.
Discussing the fact the Yorkshireman is currently the oldest player in the Premier League by almost three years – ahead of Seamus Coleman – the Yorkshire Post quote the German as saying: “Hats off and chapeau to him because it’s an unbelievable achievement, especially nowadays. If he goes on like this he will probably beat Peter Shilton!”
Peter Shilton in action for England
Photo by Mark Leech/Getty Images
Shilton held the record for most competitive appearances in world football with 1,390 games until August, when Fabio Deivson Lopes Maciel recorded his 1,391st outing with Fluminense.
Farke added: “I thought it not possible anymore, especially as an outfield player, but my attitude is quality is about performances over a long-term period. This is what James Milner is doing, so he’s the perfect role model in these terms.
“He hasn’t had just a couple of good months, or one good season – he’s delivered consistently on the top level… I’m pretty sure if he keeps going like he is then he can break even more records because he’s just fantastic.”
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Leeds must consider offering James Milner a similar role to Jonny Howson
Jonny Howson is currently back at Leeds at the age of 37 in a player-coach role for the U21 side, where he is using his vast experience to help the next generation at Thorp Arch.
The Leeds academy graduate is also eligible to play in the Premier League if need be – having been registered at the start of the season just in case.
Jonny Howson in action for Leeds United
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
We presume Milner will want to keep playing for as long as possible, and will most likely get opportunities in the United States and all across the world given his status in the game.
However, if the man born in Leeds prefers to stay in England, Leeds have to consider offering him a similar role to Howson.
With 890 appearances at club level, 61 caps for England under his belt and a connection to Leeds as well, the experience he can offer to young talents at Thorp Arch would be truly invaluable.