You're only as good as your best players. It's a saying that coaches come back to time and again, no matter the sport. And it's a mantra that will be giving Martin O'Neill much joy as his top men depart for the international break.
The opening third of the Premier League campaign could not have ended on a finer note for the Aston Villa manager. A convincing win over Bolton Wanderers to remain in fifth place; a comprehensive performance with goals spaced 70 minutes apart. And most encouragingly, another fine performance turned in by James Milner, who scored once and set up a pair of goals en route to the 5-1 victory. The display was enough to earn the 23-year-old another call-up to the England squad.
Against Brazil on Saturday, Milner will be hoping to make his sixth appearance for England since debuting with the senior side against Holland in August. If his club form counts for anything, he can make the space on his shelf for the cap already.
The former Newcastle winger's progress has been the most heartening development at Villa Park so far this season. A combination of blazing speed and creativity, he gives the club a legitimate presence on the right flank while turning John Carew and Gabriel Agbonlahor into dangerous targets. In combination with Ashley Young on the left side of the park, it's hardly a stretch to say that O'Neill has the best tandem of wide players in the Premier League.
But it's Milner's substantial upside and ability to turn harmless spells of possession into dangerous attacks that makes him more likely to nail down an England place than his Villa teammate. And given the absences of David Beckham and Theo Walcott, he just might be in for a starting assignment against the Brazilians in Doha.
You could argue that a starting place should be his, anyway. Despite his relative inexperience at the senior international level, Milner made 46 appearances as an England U-21 and is a veteran of the national team setup. He's also just 23, which is easy to forget, given that he was playing Premier League football for Leeds as a 16-year-old in 2002.
That early start probably did more to hinder his professional development than help it. But seven years on, Milner has quietly become one of English football's top talents. He might be the best player at his club. And given Villa's place in the standings, that's saying something.
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Comments
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Posted by Andrew on 11/11/2009
Best player at the club? I wouldn't go that far, but he's a very very good player. He should have cemented his spot over Walcott and SWP easily. Lennon would be the only player I would think could fight Milner, but he's out so Milner should have it down. Young needs a chance. The guy is also very talented, highly thought of and really should be playing the left side while Milner on the Right. You have the best duo wing players in the Premier league, England could go far with that.
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Posted by Drew on 11/12/2009
I agree with what Andrew has to say--partly. While Milner and Young both should have their places nearly in the bag (who else on the left that is English is possibly performing as well as Young and Milner will have some competition from Walcott and Lennon) it might not mean guaranteed success with them being the flankers. Often times, success by Milner and Young is due to the support in the center as well as playing in tandem with Agbonlahor up top. Unfortunately, chances of Agbonlahor making the England squad for South Africa (while I think he should at least be considered) are probably slim. Capello seems intent on Rooney, Crouch and Defoe. Bent and Heskey are possibilities (Heskey though honestly should not even be considered--trash in an England kit). I would certainly welcome Agbonlahor's afterburners off the bench with 15-30min left in a match any day of the week as 95% of the center backs he would face could not keep up.
I for one hope Capello chooses correctly...
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Posted by yin-rong on 11/12/2009
The collection of wingers at Villa is certainly impressive, but I don't think Milner is ready to become a first teamer for England yet. England's best team should have Beckham on the right and Joe Cole on the left, in my opinion. But as they age and play smaller roles in the national team, I think a Milner-Young partnership looks a real possibility for the Three Lions.
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Posted by akshay on 11/13/2009
easily one of the most hardworking players
takes penalty , awesome at counter attacks.
and a good free kick and delivery for john carew
all rounded player
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Posted by Lim Luo Qi on 11/13/2009
Young is a brilliant up and coming star in the making. Hv been thoroughly impressed by his forays down the wings/dribbles and esp final delivery which i think is much better than what Lennon is capable of now. am sure he'll be in the reckoning for a regular first team spot for England before long.
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Posted by kassim issa on 11/13/2009
milner has been a fantastic player since then. he needs to be given a chance in the national team. milner is ambitious and you never find him in the wrong side.
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Posted by berniemac on 11/13/2009
I thought the saying was 'You're only as good as your worst Player'. Or as strong as your weakest link. Meh
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Posted by Alan on 11/16/2009
Was I watching a different game? Milner lacks nothing for sweat and industry; but when it comes to international class and ability with a football I'm afraid he's a very ordinary player. Ashley Young has much more natural ability and speed and would be in my squad before Milner. I'm sure any Aston Villa fan would agree.
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Posted by Murf on 11/16/2009
He has the aggression, better fitness and final ball which both theo or lennon don't have. If current form continues, I feel no reason why he shouldn't be ahead of them. Put on Lennon when the opposition have tired legs.
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Posted by Simon on 11/25/2009
Alan, I'd have to disagree. Milner is just a machine and never stops trying. I love Ashley Young but he can definitely get out of sorts and it throws his game. Milner is a class act and always keeps his head up. Young may beat him on speed and delivery but Milner's work rate is impeccable. Play him on the right wing, right back or mid.
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Posted by bill on 11/27/2009
Young played as well as any outside player for about 3/5 of the EPL last year. He struggled a bit as Villa slid out of a CL place, but Laursen going down had more to do with that happening( along with Barry going AWOL....remember the 2nd Liverpool goal? ). However,as Young has played below his talent level this year. Milner has been outstanding . If you notice, Milner has played like the Energizer Bunny. He is tireless and his hard work coming back defensively to help in the back 1/3 is crucial when selecting WC players. If Young can step up his game, Villa will make a decent run for 4th. MIlner may have off games, but you never see this man quit on any play. ..now, if only MON can acquire a striker to replace Heskey....
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Jerrad Peters is senior writer for Soccer 360 magazine and covers football for the Winnipeg Free Press, Soccer365.com and ESPN Soccernet. He has reported on the UEFA Champions League, African Nations Cup, EURO 2008 and will be based out of Capetown at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. You can subscribe to his blog at