James Milner is the epitome of a leader.
He encompasses everything you want your leader to be, he's reliable, consistent, and shows up for you no matter what.
Respected by both his teammates and opponents, he's had a storied career in football, having played Premier League football for over 20 years, making his debut in 2002 for his boyhood club Leeds United.
Having had fruitful spells at Newcastle United and Aston Villa, having won the PFA Young Player of the Year and was voted in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2009/10 season with the latter, he was presented with a move to Manchester City.
Milner won five trophies with City, including two Premier League titles and made a move to Liverpool after five seasons in Manchester.
Eight seasons on, Milner has made over 300 appearances for Liverpool and won everything there is to win.
At 37 years of age, the Leeds native is strictly a squad player; retirement isn't far off for the midfielder.
When that time does come for Milner to call time on his historic career, should he join the coaching staff at Liverpool?
A valuable member of the club
Whether he's playing or not, Milner has been an integral figure in the Liverpool dressing room since his arrival in the summer of 2015.
One of the final signings of former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, Milner was immediately made vice-captain of the club and captained Liverpool for the first time in just his third game for the club.
Only a player of Milner's professionalism and integrity could have a responsibility of that nature be bestowed upon him just weeks into his career at a new club.
The midfielder has been seen watching academy games at Liverpool and has taken several players under his wing including new signings Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez as Milner's ability to speak Spanish can help players settle in quicker.
A trusted disciple under Jürgen Klopp, there is no doubt conversations about his very topic have taken place between the pair and it certainly won't surprise me if it happens.
The managerial situation could be different
While I believe Milner could thrive in an assistant coaching position under Jürgen Klopp thanks to his experience in football, we just don't know what the managerial situation will look like at Liverpool when Milner retires.
Yes, Klopp has a contract until 2026 but are we sure he'll see out the remaining three years?
Many things could happen beforehand, Klopp could step down due to a lack of funds provided by Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), or perhaps retire from coaching.
He previously said that he can't imagine being a manager at 60 years old, just over four years away.
It's an interesting conversation to have whether James Milner could become an important figure in a coaching capacity at Liverpool.
