Liverpool’s signing of James Milner and Danny Ings has invoked a lot of criticism, primarily from the Reds’ fans; a lot of laughs from rival fans and some cynicism and doubt from elsewhere. Why do Liverpool never target ‘top class’, ‘marquee’ players? Why do the Reds love to swim in mediocrity? Why are the second most successful club in league terms “doing an AC Milan” and wrapping up these s**t free transfers?
There’s no doubt that Liverpool require significant rebuilding after the debacle of last season. This has begun swiftly, albeit unspectacularly. There seems to be a vision of what the Reds want from this summer for the following season. This is in stark contrast of last summer where a certain treble winning Uruguayan was sold and a lot of players were bought to address that void.
Ings scored 11 goals in his first Premier League season, more than any other Liverpool player (let alone all the strikers combined). 11 goals is not a hugely impressive feat for any striker but it is important to put it in perspective and context. Burnley scored 28 goals in total, out of 317 chances created (15th best in the league). Liverpool created the fourth most chances in the Premier League with 435 (405 key passes and 30 assists), behind Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea. The fact that they then scored only 52 goals says volumes about the dire finishing at the Merseyside outfit.
A season before, the now England international also scored 21 goals in Burnley’s promotion. Just 21 years of age, Ings could blossom at Anfield and at £5m‑6m, could prove to be a smart investment. He has a clear eye for goal, physical presence and aerial prowess. He also possesses pace, has the ability to hold the ball and can strike with both his feet.
What is more important to realise is that Ings will probably not be operated as the first choice, or even second (if we consider Sturridge the second choice as Liverpool are likely to bring in another striker) striker. He will reduce the workload on the other forwards by playing in the early rounds of the domestic cup, and the fact that he did so well in the Championship might help Liverpool there.
Ings will also provide a physical presence that Liverpool lacked last term. Lambert and Balotelli were supposed to provide that upfront but both failed for their own individual reasons.
As for James Milner, I have failed to understand the vehement opposition to his arrival in some quarters. He might be taking the second highest wages at the club now but coming on a free transfer helps makes up for it. Moreover, his experience, leadership, versatility and the underrated and overlooked ability can add plenty to the squad.
The comparisons with Joe Cole are unfounded. Milner has been an important player for Manchester City recently and the praise heaped on him by Manuel Pellegrini and the effort put in by him and the rest of the management shows how much he was valued by City. Pellegrini said in March that he wished the England international continued at the Eithad. He said:
 “I’m Milner’s No1 fan. Find me a more complete English player. There are players who’re better technically, yes. Quicker players, yes. Players who head better, yes. But show me one who does all the things Milner does well. There isn’t one. It’s hard to leave him out. Respect, commitment and performance level: 10/10, fantastic. He’s polyfunctional: full-back – the only position he doesn’t like – attacking midfield, wide. I played him as a forward and the team averaged three goals a game. He gives everything. You leave him on the bench and he’s absolutely furious but watch him during the game: encouraging, shouting, supporting. And in the next training session he kills himself.”
Joe Cole, on the other hand was hardly used in his final seasons at Chelsea, and there’s really no basis of substantial comparison between the two other than nationality and fee/wages.
Liverpool’s mediocre midfield of last season needs rebuilding – that needed to happen in spite of Gerrard, his departure has only made it more imperative. Milner averaged 2.3 key passes per 90 minutes last season, more than any Liverpool player. This illustrates how overlooked his creative ability is. He also performs an admirable defensive role in the midfield and his tackles and interception stats prove that well.
In Milner, Liverpool have found an experienced player who will give them more steel in that midfield.
He may be boring, but boring and reliable is what Liverpool need right now. To turn around games, to win games from a losing position, you need grit and experience in the team. Milner, who has won plenty of silverware at City, can provide that to the very young Liverpool squad that looked extremely vulnerable last season.
These two players do add something to the Liverpool team. However, these signings will not signify a decent summer exclusively. There has to be more, better, business from the Reds for that to happen. Liverpool need their number one striker (or two, if we are still being naïve enough to call Sturridge the number one striker). Danny Ings shouldn’t be the only striker arriving this summer for Liverpool. Divock Origi and Ings should be fighting for the second striker role, but none of them – so far – are qualified enough to be playing every game for Brendan Rodgers. In midfield too, another arrival has to be made. So far, Liverpool have been vigorously linked with Inter’s Mateo Kovacic. Kovacic is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the game, and could prove to be a tremendous buy for the Reds. Liverpool need a proper defensive midfielder in this summer but whether the position is going to have reinforcements this summer is not sure. There are more positions and problems that need to be addressed, most definitely. But however unspectacular the new pair may be, they do not look like bad purchases for the Reds, provided it is followed up by the players who have to be brought in to fill some glaring holes in the Liverpool team.
