Milner credits squad competition for fast start

Liverpool midfielder James Milner insists the increased competition for a starting berth at Anfield this season has driven the players on to even greater heights in the Premier League.

Milner scored twice on Saturday as Liverpool hammered Hull City 5-1 at Anfield, meaning the Reds have now won their last four games in all competitions.

Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho also added their names to the scoresheet during another encouraging display; with many predicting Liverpool to be genuine title challengers this season.

Despite starring for Liverpool during the two-goal win, Milner admits he is refusing to get carried away with his performances just yet.

With an array of talent sitting on the bench for Liverpool or even, in some cases, in the stands, Milner knows one bad performance could spell a period out on the sidelines.

“You look down the squad list and the quality is unbelievable,” Milner said.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

“You see the bench and some boys have been injured, some players aren’t in the squad, and the young boys who are knocking around the squad with such quality. It’s pleasing.

“And you know if you don’t perform, the shirt is going to be taken off you and someone else is going to get the chance. And you don’t know how long they are going to have that shirt for.

“You need that competition for places to drive each other on. Hopefully we can keep improving as a team.”