There were several standout performers in our 5-2 drubbing of AS Roma in the first leg of our Champions League semi-final encounter.

The likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were undeniably exceptional for their goalscoring exploits but there is one man who made a significant contribution.

In fact, his performance also helped create a new record in the elite European competition and that is none other than James Milner.

According to a report on Liverpool’s official website, Milner’s assist to aid Robert Firmino’s goal was his 9th of this season’s Champions League campaign. That is a new record for the most number of assists provided by a single player during one campaign.

This does come at a great time for Milner. For a good majority of the season, he had to be content with playing as the left-back but since the emergence of Andy Roberston, no other player has been able to wrest that spot away from him.

For Milner to be able to play his preferred role and do so well in the midfield area is great. With Emre Can and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out with respective injuries, it is safe to say that Milner will be getting more opportunities to impress in the middle of the park.

At 32 years of age, he is certainly not getting any younger and this game time will certainly come as a massive boost to his chances of securing a regular starting spot in the matches to come.