James Milner hailed by TNT Sports pundits after equalling Gareth Barry's Premier League appearance record - 'He wants to be the best every time'

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James Milner has been used to making history throughout his lengthy career and he wrote his name into the record books once more when coming off the bench in Brighton's defeat to Aston Villa. The midfielder was making his 653rd appearance in the Premier League, the joint-most with Gareth Barry. His former England team-mate Steven Gerrard hailed him as "a brilliant role model"

‘What a moment’ as Milner comes on to equal Premier League appearance record

Video credit: TNT Sports

James Milner has been hailed as a role model after making Premier League history on Wednesday night.

The midfielder came off the bench during Brighton's 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

And that meant he equalled Gareth Barry's long-standing record for the most appearances in the Premier League era.

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The game marked the 653th time the 40-year-old has appeared in the division, nearly a quarter of a century since his first appearance for Leeds in 2002.

During that time, Milner has played alongside many legendary players, one of whom was Steven Gerrard.

And the Reds legend - who played 504 top flight games himself - paid tribute to his former team-mate after Arne Slot's side beat Sunderland 1-0.

"I'm not surprised," he told TNT Sports. "I shared a dressing room with him. He's a wonderful player and a big guy.

"His longevity in the game is incredible, really, but it's no surprise because he's such a great professional.

"He's a brilliant role model for young people who are trying to have a similar career in the game, but let's not forget he's a top player as well.

"In possession, out of possession, he does everything right.

"He's a top team-mate, very reliable, and managers trust him in any position to do a job for the team."

TNT Sports expert Steve Sidwell was a team-mate of Milner during their time together at Aston Villa.

And he was quick to pay tribute to the achievement. "Huge congratulations," Sidwell said. "I was lucky enough to play with him and against him. Fully, fully deserved. Incredible.

"He wants to be the best every time. Every training session, he set the tone. He lives the right way. What he's done here is a massive achievement.

"He is [a model pro]. He's your manager on the pitch and what you need in times like this for Brighton."

‘What a moment’ as Milner comes on to equal Premier League appearance record

Video credit: TNT Sports

Milner was named on the bench for the game at Villa Park but an early yellow card for Carlos Baleba meant head coach Fabian Hurzeler felt his hand was forced into an early chance.

After just 22 minutes, Hurzeler turned to the veteran and asked him to come on.

"What a moment this is," said TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton.

"James Milner equals the all-time Premier League appearance record. Goes level on 653 with Gareth Barry.

"His Premier League debut [was] in November 2002. And, of course, this comes at the home of one of his former clubs, where he's still appreciated."

Milner started his career at Leeds United, making his debut as a second-half substitute for Jason Wilcox as they beat West Ham 4-3 in November 2002.

A few weeks later, he nabbed Wayne Rooney's record as the youngest ever goalscorer in the Premier League by netting against Sunderland.

He was 16 years and 356 days old when that historic moment came, and only Everton's James Vaughan has bettered the achievement since.

After 48 matches for Leeds, Milner departed for Newcastle in 2004, before joining Aston Villa four years later.

Manchester City were the next club to come calling and, during five seasons at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder won two Premier League titles.

Another top flight crown followed during eight years at Liverpool, delivered under Jurgen Klopp in 2019/20.

Hargreaves: "The ultimate player"

Milner's stint at Anfield was the longest of his career and accounts for 230 of his Premier League appearances.

After being released in June 2023, he left for Brighton, where he has remained since.

And, albeit a bit part player now, the midfielder has continued to be an influential figure on the south coast.

Besides playing beyond his 40th birthday - he is just the fifth outfield player to do so in the Premier League era - he has also notched up another 34 games.

Speaking on TNT Sports, former Villa defender Alan Hutton added: "Young footballers should be looking up to people like that.

"How he's lived his life, his full career, he's so professional in everything that he's done. That's why he plays to this age at that level."

A 'true pro' and 'brilliant role model' - Gerrard, Hargreaves praise record-equalling Milner

Video credit: TNT Sports

Milner and Barry are tied at the top of the appearance charts, with Ryan Giggs (632), Frank Lampard (609), and David James (572) making up the top five.

Owen Hargreaves added: "I played with everybody on that list, and every one of them were proper players.

"The dedication [stood out] as well. Really, he was just the ultimate player.

"You could play him anywhere, couldn't you? At times, he did not start every game, but as he's gotten older, he's started to become a mentor.

"Even at Liverpool, I think helping that team go on to have such great success, he's been a true pro."

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