Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum has hailed the current form of veteran James Milner.

Wijnaldum has revealed how important a part Milner has played in his side's success this term and admits he doesn't hold back from the verbals in his role as a manager in the making.

Wijnaldum said: “He has shown over the years that he is a top-quality player, especially this season with the start he has had already.

“Even when he was injured he came in the dressing room and would speak with the players and try to keep everybody sharp.

“When he was not among the 18 players involved and in the stands, he was still part of the team and tried to help everybody in whatever way he could.

“He would speak regularly with the players on training days, too, so I think he has had a big impact in how we are performing right now.

“It's not only his quality on the pitch but also the way that he treats everyone and tries to keep everyone sharp and focused.

“He is almost like a manager but in the form of a player. He can tell people off when he needs to as well as encourage them.

“You never know what might happen when he eventually stops playing football but I think he might turn into a manager.

“On the pitch he has shown he is willing to play anywhere. The manager decides where the players will play but when something needs to be fixed, everyone thinks about James."