Photos: Wigan 1-2 Aston Villa – Super James Milner For The Win
By Ollie Irish
Supermilner
Another terrific display by James Milner capped a fine away win for Villa, who are not yet out of the running for fourth. Milner scored the winner and generally showed what a fine player he’s become this season – compared with recent lifeless turns by Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, Milner is certainly playing well enough to earn a World Cup starting role on merit. But where to play Milner – through the middle or out wide?
The latter, probably. Milner has done very well in the middle of late, and his all-action performance at the DW Stadium won effusive praise from Martin O’Neill:
“It was an extraordinary performance by a really good player,” Villa’s gaffer said. “Since he has stepped into central midfield his game his improved tenfold and he continues to go from strength to strength.
“When you play wide you depend on other people giving you the ball to get into the game but when you have got that determination and energy, you might as well use it in the centre of the field.”
Hear hear. But is Capello ready to risk such a relatively inexperienced midfielder at the heart of England’s team in South Africa? I doubt it, but I hope Milner gets the chance to state his case for a central berth in one of England’s next friendlies.
As for Wigan, they are flirting worryingly with the drop zone. I think they’ll be okay, but they desperately need three points in their next game. Happily, it’s at home to Brian Laws’ Burnley, so three points it is.
The best photos from the DW:
Piers Morgan On Twitter, The 'Highlights' – The FCF
Goodbye And Good Luck: European Football Weekends – The Last Post
January Transfer Window Horseshit Infographic – Bootiful Game
Umbro's New Universitario De Deportes Home Shirt Is Beautiful – TBG
Sexual Adventures Of Demarcus La Shonda – Fitba Thatba
A Year In Non-League Football Photos – Pitch Invasion
Who The Big Four (And Liverpool) Should Sign In January – The FCF
Top 5 Footballing Candidates For Prime Minister – OTP
Why Belgium Will Win The 2018 World Cup – SOTB
Top 10 Goalie Goals – The Coin Toss
I’d stick him in the middle partnering Frank Lampard, with Adam Johnson on the left and Aaron Lennon (if fit) or SWP on the right.
Lampard wouldn’t be anywhere near the England team if I were in charge. Stick Milner out wide, Barry and Gerrard in the middle, with Charles N’Zogbia (or one of Villa’s other wingers if you refuse to pick N’Zogbia) on the opposite flank. There we have pace, fluidity, and attacking thrust all in one nice little package. Even if we don’t win the thing we’ll be a hell of a lot more entertaining than we have been for about 15 years.