Having shown glimpses of his quality for Aston Villa as a 19 year old loanee during the 05/06 season, the Midlands-based club returned for the winger two years later and signed him in a £12 million deal. Almost immediately he was moved into the centre, and his play improved tenfold. During his two permanent seasons at Villa Park, he played all but four Premier League games and scored 18 goals in all competitions. In his last season at the club, he received the PFA Young Player of the Year Award and he was swiftly moved on to Manchester City in a £28.5 million move. The English international has since gone on to make 169 appearances for the Citizens since his summer transfer to the Etihad in 2010, and has never let the side down with his tireless work-rate, energy and combative nature. He may find it hard to stand out like he did at Villa Park, with the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure stealing the limelight, but make no mistake about it - Milner is one of the most priceless and valuable midfielders in the Premier League.
I loved every minute of my time with Villa. The fans were great to me and we were unfortunate not to win a trophy and get into the Champions League. I cant thank them enough for what they did for me. - James Milner, October 2014.
So that's a wrap - what do you think? Have there been any glaring omissions? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
