Why Manchester City Must Re-Sign This £80,000-A-Week Star

A parody name “@BoringJamesMilner”on twitter brief sums up the Man City midfielder James Milner. He is so boring, that the appendage, reliable has been added to his name. Bought for a reported €28.5 million from Aston Villa in 2010, Milner has amassed a total of 103 appearances in all competitions for City since signing. He has won 2 league titles, a community shield, an FA cup and the League one cup as well ever since joining and was seen as a very important squad member under Mancini.

Last however, he was used sparingly by Pellegrini and made just 24 appearances in the league, coming in as a substitute 10 out of the 24 appearances. This led to rumors of him being sidelined. However, coming in as substitute in the match against Bayern on the 10^th of December 2013, Milner changed proceedings, revitalizing the squad and rescuing the team from the jaws of defeat. The match eventually ended as a win with Man City coming from two goals down to defeat Bayern 3-2. Coincidentally, there were rumors after that performance about City offering him a new contract.

However, Milner has refused to sign and extend his contract with City. His grouse being that he needs to be assured of more playing time. Already most key players like Kompany, Aguero, Silva, and Dzeko have extend their contracts this season, however Milner has yet to sign. One would of course understand as he wants to play all matches, and why not. Everybody is aware of what Milner is capable, the grit he brings into any match, the reliability, the assurance and that willingness to go the extra mile and sacrifice for his team.

Since, the start of this season, we have seen Milner start more matches and we can allude it to his wishes being fulfilled, and he has certainly shown why he deserves to start every match he can. I will mention a point or two on why Milner must extend his contract with Man City

He is in the last year of his contract and will be able to leave on a bosman by summer. City must ensure that this does not happen, as presently he fills the quota for homegrown players.

Tying him down will go a long way to assuring other members of the team about the belief the club has in them , retaining the core of players who have won the league title twice in a period of 3 years.

His performance this season has been outstanding. Against Chelsea, when City were down by a goal and also short of one man, Milner was everywhere, fighting for the ream and eventually producing the assist for Lampard’s goal. He proved his versatility switching flanks and curtailing the advances of the opposition, especially Hazard.

Therefore, Begiristain and Pellegrini must do all they can to ensure that Milner pens down a new contract soonest, as judging from his performances so far, we should expect his best form yet for the club