New Liverpool signing James Milner has been handed the vice-captaincy just 38 days after joining the club.
The player has yet to play in a competitive fixture for the reds but has taken up the role that was vacant after Jordan Henderson moved up to replace Steven Gerrard as captain.
In the pre-Stoke City press conference earlier today, Brendan Rodgers confirmed the appointment while discussing Milner:
“His actual football talent has probably gone under the radar because he’s played around some outstanding talents, but this is a guy who works tirelessly at his game. He’s in here at 7.45am in the morning making sure he’s prepared for his training, getting all of his food supplements and getting everything correct before training – he’s in two-and-a-half hours before he trains and then does his work, gives his maximum. He prepares himself like an elite player should.
“He’s also got big character and a big mentality, and I felt we needed that in the team to the extent where he will be the vice-captain this year.
“Jordan has been appointed the captain, but he’ll be a great ally for him because he leads by example. James is a wonderful, wonderful footballer and a big personality in the dressing room as well.
“His commitment, his qualities, how dynamic he is on the training field and how demanding he is of other players. That in terms of the captaincy and vice-captaincy can work really well for us.”
Milner will be starting his 15th season playing Premier League football on Sunday - and will make his 390th appearance in the division if, as expected, he plays.
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