Red hot: James Milner opened the scoring after 55 seconds against Aston Villa

This Liverpool player is best penalty taker I’ve ever seen – teammate

Tue 11 October 2016 11:37, UK

By Alex Stevens

Emre Can has claimed his Liverpool team-mate James Milner is the most reliable penalty taker he has ever seen.

Milner has already found the net four times from the spot this season, including the crucial winner in the 2-1 triumph over Swansea before the international break.

The former England international has now scored seven penalties without missing since joining Liverpool in 2015 and is developing a dead-eye reputation from the spot.

Germany international Can, 22, has also been impressed with how Milner has slotted in at left-back this term, but admits it is his penalty taking that really stands out.

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“I’m young, but I haven’t seen in any of my teams so far such a good penalty taker,” Can told Liverpool’s official website.”In training, every ball is in the net. He’s a very, very good penalty taker.

“It has surprised a lot of people [Milner’s transition to defence], because it’s not easy to play at left-back from midfield.

“But Millie did it very well and I think he has scored more goals than last year in this time. He’s a very important player for us. He has to keep going like that and the team has to keep going like that.”

Can’s praise is especially significant given the reputation of German players from the spot.

The midfielder’s countrymen have an excellent track record at major tournaments of scoring from 12 yards, which is in stark contrast to the success rates of their English counterparts.

In other Liverpool news, this is the probable starting XI for the team’s showdown against Manchester United at Anfield next week.