Klopp: Liverpool's success would've been completely impossible without Milner

Jurgen Klopp insisted none of the success he achieved at Liverpool would have been possible without James Milner, who on Saturday set a new all-time Premier League appearances record. 

Milner made his 654th appearance as Brighton secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford, surpassing Gareth Barry's tally of 653 in the process. 

The 40-year-old made his Premier League debut aged 16 for Leeds United before enjoying spells at Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Manchester City.  

He won two Premier League titles with City before joining Liverpool in 2015, where he helped the Reds win their sixth European title in 2019 and end a 30-year wait for the league title in 2020, before joining Brighton in 2023.

And Klopp, under whom Milner has featured most prominently in the Premier League, believes he was fundamental to Liverpool’s success. 

"I can't believe it. Being part of something for eternity is really special," Klopp told ESPN. 

"Reaching that number of appearances is just like landing on the moon. Maybe it only happens once? 

"Of all the success we had at Liverpool, nothing would've happened without him. That's how it is really." 

Across his eight years at Liverpool, Milner made 230 appearances (135 starts), scoring 19 goals, and tallying 12,852 minutes – more than he managed for any of his other Premier League clubs. 

During that period, only Roberto Firmino (256) played more games for Liverpool, while Milner ranked seventh among the club’s players for Premier League goal contributions (45).

Milner also became one of Klopp’s most trusted options off the bench, featuring 95 times as a substitute and covering in roles across defence, midfield and attack, which Klopp believes helped extend his career. 

"When you think about James, people would probably say an honest, top professional," the former Reds boss said. "But I can tell you, he could do it all. 

"If you are fixed on one position, it's pretty clear over the years in each club there will be a player in your position either as good as you or better.  

"They'll be younger, faster, stronger, better at heading. So the more positions you can play, it gives you a longer lifetime."

When asked what distinguishes Milner from other stalwarts, Klopp added: "The most important factor he has is his general skill set. He has absolutely everything and shows only 50, 60% of it.  

"Both his right and left foot are excellent, he has decent speed, he's fast, he can dribble, he's good in tight spaces, good in big spaces.  

"He has an incredible attitude, and makes it clear the fancy stuff will not be there on matchday.  

"From a skill-set perspective, he's one of the top five players I have worked with." 

Klopp also added that he doesn't believe the record of 654 Premier League appearances will ever be broken, though he joked that he does not expect Milner to hang up his boots anytime soon. 

"Now you tell me, is there anybody out there who has a little chance to reach that number of games? Probably not," he said.  

"I hope after game 780 or whatever he reaches, and he retires, whatever he does next, the world desperately needs people like him."