It was announced this week that as expected, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be joining Roberto Firmino in leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. The travelling faithful at the King Power showed Bobby a huge amount of appreciation. It took Trent Alexander-Arnold’s rocket to halt a marathon rendition of Sí Señor in the second half, with the Brazilian given a standing ovation at full time.
Saturday’s fixture at home to Aston Villa will be the last opportunity for home fans to thank the four outgoing players, with a rapturous reception expected for James Milner before he departs for Brighton.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones for his reflections on the four departing Reds.
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Neil said: [On Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain] “He’s had his moments. Obviously, injuries have cost him what he might deem was ‘the peak of his powers’ after that Roma game, but you can’t hold that against the player.
“I don’t think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at any point has thrown the towel in or given up on his Liverpool career. He’s always worked hard. In terms of effort, energy – you see what a good guy he is around the place. “
[On Naby Keita] “I was a bit disappointed yesterday. I put a picture out of the four and just said: ‘Thanks for the memories.’ You can imagine what some of the replies were. The one I saw was someone who had replied with Keita’s head scrubbed off the picture.
“He’s had an impact, Naby Keita, of course. He’s had his contribution. It definitely hasn’t been as big as we hoped, and thought it would be when he signed – and it is quite telling that £50 million player leaves for free – but don’t ignore the good bits, as well as the bad.
“He won’t go down as one of the great Liverpool players, won’t go down as one of the great Liverpool signings… but when [you see] the pictures of what this great Liverpool side achieved in this era – Naby Keita will be on them, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be on them.
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[On James Milner & Roberto Firmino] “The two most used players under Jürgen Klopp – Firmino and Milner. Two players who really do encapsulate Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool – humility, selflessness, and doing a job for the team.
“The manager trusted him more than perhaps any other player, outside of his real core four or five that always played. The manager certainly he didn’t want him to leave. He said that himself.
“He’s been an absolutely incredible player for Liverpool. The best free transfer in the club’s history by a mile, and one of the best free transfers in Premier League history.
“Unbelievable player, an unbelievable servant for Liverpool. He deserves an absolutely brilliant ovation, nothing less, I hope he gets it. I’m sure he will get it as well.
“He will be missed around the place. There was a story – I think it was Milner himself telling it to Michael Calvin. He said he had to fine himself because he was late for a meeting! What was James Milner like around Liverpool, off the pitch? – He’d even fine himself!”
“It potentially ignites the crowd, doesn’t it? Imagine 20 minutes [to go] and the game is in the balance and Firmino’s coming on. It’s an extra 5/10% on the atmosphere.
“You saw, or you heard the away end on Monday night. You saw the players with Firmino, you saw Jürgen was made-up with it, wasn’t he? When it gets going, I think it’s the best Liverpool song I’ve heard.”
Redmen Reacts
Saturday will be an emotional day at Anfield. Hopefully, the Reds can send off their outgoing heroes with a victory. Neil is right to point out the contributions of both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both have frustrated fans with their injury records over the years, and it is a massive oversight on behalf of the club that they were not phased out of the squad sooner, for a fee. Both have played a part in one of the great Liverpool eras and would be held in much higher regard if their bodies had allowed them.
We will also be saying the fondest farewells on Saturday to two players who have been part of the furniture for the entire Klopp era. James Milner and Roberto Firmino have got the most out of their talent and were vital as the club transitioned from also-rans to European heavyweights once again. Both are Liverpool legends that will be remembered forever. Is it too much to ask for one more winner from Bobby?! Thank you, lads.
TO HEAR MORE FROM NEIL ON TOPICS SUCH AS ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER, CLICK HERE
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