"If James Milner can become better" - Pep Lijnders' challenge to his players

Liverpool assistant boss Pep Lijnders believes that every player contracted at Anfield can improve.

The Dutchman spoke about James Milner and the fact that he is always striving to become a better player.

The midfielder is 36 years of age, but he is always looking to improve. The club renewed his contract earlier this summer for a reason.

Lijnders said that if Milner can improve his game in the twilight of his career, then so can everyone else in the squad.

As quoted by Anfield Watch's Twitter account, he told Goal the following: “Look, if James Milner can become better, then Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez certainly can. How exciting is that?!

“They are already great players. But the reason we like our style of play is because it forces development. The more you play with us, the better you become, because you don’t have a choice.

“We need that. Our players have to become better. We should never settle for what we are now, we should settle for the Liverpool we want to be tomorrow. That’s why we all work so hard in training, both as a team and as individuals.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Lijnders is absolutely spot on. No one at the club should be settling for what they have already achieved, which is why it's great that Milner is around to lead the way.

The midfielder has been a terrific player for Liverpool over the years. Milner has scored 26 goals and registered 44 assists in 291 appearances for the Reds' first-team.

The Englishman has claimed six major trophies and the Community Shield during his time at Anfield. Milner's contract expires next summer.

If this is to be the 36-year-old's final year at Anfield, then hopefully he can win another trophy or two before he departs.