James Milner reveals his all-time XI of former teammates

James Milner has revealed the best starting 11 team he has ever played with during his illustrious Premier League career.

A legend of English football is a word not bestowed on players easily, but Milner has definitely earned that title.

Starting his professional career at the young age of 16 at his boyhood club Leeds United, Milner has gone on to play 581 games* during his Premier League career, making him the fourth-highest appearance holder in the competition's history.

Milner has played for some illustrious clubs over his 20 years in the Premier League. Starting off at Leeds United, he was then sold to Newcastle United after the The Whites were facing financial trouble.

After spending four years at St James' Park, Newcastle parted ways with Milner, selling him to Aston Villa for a reported fee of £13.5 million.

Then in 2010, after only two years with Aston Villa, Manchester City agreed a deal worth £19.8 million to bring the veteran midfielder to Manchester.

During his time with the Citizens, Milner played 147 games, winning two Premier League titles, a FA Cup and an EFL Cup.

Then in 2015, Milner signed for Liverpool on a free transfer and since then he has become the vice-captain and a very important part of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side.

Milner has played with some unbelievable players during his time as a footballer and to pick a starting 11 would be a difficult task.

However, in a recent interview with FourFourTwo, as cited by Anfield Watch, the 36-year-old has done just that and some of his decisions are controversial to say the least.

Here is James Milner's all-time best XI of his former teammates:

Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Jonathan Woodgate, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Silva, Alan Shearer, Sergio Aguero, Roberto Firmino.

Substitutes: Rio Ferdinand, Sadio Mane & David Beckham.

Manager: Jurgen Klopp.

Anfield Watch Verdict

There are some very noticeable absences in Milner's side. The main one being Mohamed Salah.

This is obviously Milner's opinion and it is an unbelievable side full of Premier League legends.

Speaking about including his Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino, Milner had this to say.

"The lowest-maintenance footballer I have ever known. His work-rate without the ball is something else, but his ability with the ball at his feet gets him into my line-up."

Milner also went for another controversial choice, picking Virgil van Dijk over Rio Ferdinand. The 36-year-old had this to say about the Dutchman.

"He is some player; great with the ball at his feet and commanding. It's a surprise when you see the big man having to get out of second gear."

Even though it would've been nice to see a full team of Liverpool players, this is an amazing side with some of the greatest footballers to grace English football.