James Milner's sheer professionalism has been key to his emergence as Liverpool's first-choice left back, according to former Red John Arne Riise.
Milner is Liverpool's joint-top league scorer with four goals, despite starting seven of the club's nine Premier League matches at left-back.
"I've known James Milner for a long time and played against him a few times," Riise told Sky Sports.
"He is adaptable and is a player who managers love because he is professional, can play different positions and always gives 100 per cent.
"Milner is more of a hard-working left-back than an offensive left-back but he's also scored quite a few penalties and is getting forward really well."
Adam Lallana has one goal fewer than Milner and Riise has been particularly impressed by the 28-year-old, who also netted the first international goal of his career in England's 1-0 win over Slovakia last month.
"Adam is probably the one player that has surprised me and impressed me the most this year," Riise said.
"His fitness levels are as good as anyone in the league. He's everywhere. I've always liked him but you can see now he is more involved in games he's getting on the ball more. He's creating more chances and scoring more goals. He's really impressed me this year and hopefully he can keep his good form going."
Riise won six trophies during seven seasons at Liverpool and was part of the side that won the Champions League in 2005.
The 36-year-old is now playing under 2006 World Cup winner Marco Materazzi at Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC.
"When Marco Materazzi called me and asked me to help his team retain the Indian Super League it was an easy decision to make and I knew that it was time to get back to business," Riise said.
"It's a little strange because he is so different off the pitch to the way he played on the pitch. On the pitch he was such a tough-tackling defender but off the pitch he is so calm and relaxed. At the same time he is very professional and he wants us to work hard.
"I like his style of football and I'm learning from him. I've tried to take the positives from every manager I have had for when I go into management one day but it's a privilege to play for Marco."
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