James Milner joins Neymar at top of elite list of Champions League creative players

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James Milner joins Neymar at top of elite list of Champions League creative players

JAMES MILNER has joined Neymar at the head of an elite list for creating the most goals in a single season in the Champions League.

Liverpool’s unheralded midfielder has created eight goals in Europe this campaign to help his side to the verge of the final in Kiev.

James Milner now holds the record alongside Neymar for creating the most goals in a single Champions League seasonREUTERS Neymar is one of the superstars of world football – and he ranks alongside James Milner as a creative forceAFP

That sees the England player move top of the list of most creative players in Europe’s top club competition since records began – alongside Brazilian superstar Neymar.

The Paris Saint-Germain player was starring for Barcelona last year when he set up eight goals in nine matches.

Milner’s eight assists have come in nine matches – and given he still has the second leg against Roma plus a potential final to play, he could still move out on his own.

And it puts the 32-year-old ahead of some of the best playmakers in recent history for making a difference on the biggest stage.

Milner has assisted eight goals for Liverpool in Europe this season – a record for the competitioinPA:Press Association Milner also combines his creative talents with his industry in the heart of the midfieldAFP

Legendary Barcelona star Xavi’s best return in a single season saw him create seven goals in 12 appearances in the 2008/09 competition.

Mesut Ozil is regarded as one of the best creative players in the past two decades, but the World Cup winner’s seven assists for Real Madrid in 2010/11 is not as good as the Liverpool player’s.

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Big names like Zlatan Ibrahimovich, Ryan Giggs, Andreas Iniesta and Wesley Sneijder all fall short of the performances Miner has put in for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

Yet the former Manchester City and Newcastle star appears to be out of Gareth Southgate’s plans for the World Cup in Russia this summer despite his excellent form.

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Liverpool still hope there is more to come from their challenge this season, with a 5-2 advantage from a thrilling first leg at Anfield.

Player of the year Mo Salah grabbed the headlines with a brilliant individual display as the clamour for him to be recognised as one of the best players in world football continues to grow.

Neymar produced his best season in Europe in his final year at BarcelonaGetty - Contributor

But Milner’s partnership in the heart of the midfield alongside Jordan Henderson provided the platform for much of Liverpool’s dominance.

They will again be expected to win their battles in the centre of the pitch in the second leg in Rome next week as Klopp’s side look to seal their place in May’s final in Kiev.

Most Champions League assists from a single player since records began - Opta

8

Neymar – Barcelona (16/17)

James Milner – Liverpool (17/18)

 

7

Xavi – Barcelona (08/09)

Mesut Ozil – Real Madrid (10/11)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – PSG (12/13)

Ryan Giggs – Man Utd (06/07)

 

6

Roberto Firmino – Liverpool (17/18)

Wesley Sneijder – Inter (09/10)

Thierry Henry – Arsenal (03/04)

Ousmane Dembele – Borussia Dortmund (16/17)

Andres Iniesta – Barcelona (10/11)

 

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