Liverpool star compared to Man Utd icon Ronaldo amid prediction Klopp will love

A Liverpool star has been compared to Man Utd legend Cristiano Ronaldo in one key area, and a prediction that will bring a smile to Jurgen Klopp’s face has been made.

Ronaldo, 36, remains an elite-level performer despite his advancing years. He is United’s top scorer this season with 14 goals in 22 matches. Without his vital and often last-minute contributions, United’s season would be in even greater peril.

Ronaldo is famed for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to achieve the highest standards of physical fitness and conditioning.

A current Liverpool player shares those same traits. And while his on-field performances are no less important, they are rather less catching on the eye.

James Milner, also 36, has been one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted lieutenants at Anfield. The versatile midfielder has filled all manner of roles in the Reds’ starting eleven over the years and his leadership qualities are priceless.

Now, speaking to Goal, Milner’s former physio at Manchester City, Paul Webster, has compared Milner with Ronaldo regarding their physical attributes.

Milner prediction will make Klopp smile

Furthermore, he also predicted Milner can maintain his high standards for at least another “few years yet” – something that would be warmly greeted by Klopp.

“I watched him (Milner) against Chelsea and he was probably one of the fittest on the pitch,” Webster told Goal. “He looks young, he looks fit, he’s probably got eight per cent body fat or something ridiculous.

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“He’s a bit like Ronaldo. I’ve never worked with Ronaldo, but I know people that have and I get the same impression. It’s all the little things that add up, and they have more little things to add up.

“It’s everything: drinking, James doesn’t touch alcohol; food, he’s meticulous with how much he eats; his timekeeping is perfect; he has goals. He wants to be fitter and stronger as months go by; his general behaviour and his internal discipline.

“It’s no surprise to me whatsoever that he’s still playing. He’ll roll on for another few years yet.”

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Meanwhile, Hamilton Academical are increasingly likely to lose prized defender Jamie Hamilton, who is out of contract at the end of the season, TEAMtalk understands.

The 19-year-old has come through the youth system at Hamilton and has over 50 first-team appearances to his name. The right-sided defender though has plenty of admirers though and looks likely to be not short of options.

We understand that Celtic, Hibernian and Aberdeen are all keen to secure his signature. However, the interest from England is also strong.

Liverpool, Brighton, Brentford, Newcastle, Burnley are among those keen in the Premier League. Middlesbrough, Blackburn, Blackpool, Barnsley and Sunderland are also reportedly considering pre-contract offers for the Scotland youth star. Perhaps the strongest interest, however, comes from Liverpool.

We understand sporting director Michael Edwards is considering Hamilton as a recruit should Nat Phillips depart. The 24-year-old is free to leave if a suitor matches Liverpool’s £15m valuation this month.

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