Evergreen James Milner set to tie Premier League appearance record | OneFootball

James Milner will equal the Premier League record for appearances should he feature for Brighton this weekend.

The evergreen midfielder celebrated his 40th birthday last month but has continued to push his body to perform atPremier League level. Milner is no longer a regular at the Seagulls, but 14 league appearances this season have pushed him towards the all-time record.

Milner is set to equal the milestone of Gareth Barry, who played 653 times in thePremier League. A former teammate of Barry at Aston Villa and Manchester City, the careers of the unassuming midfielders have followed similar paths.

Both made theirPremier League debuts as teenagers, with Milner becoming the second-youngest debutant in the division at that time, aged only 16 years and 309 days.

Both too established themselves at Villa Park, before winning trophies as part of Manchester City's ambitious project. Each model professionals, their versatility and consistency ensured neither were rarely far from their manager's thoughts.

After leaving the Etihad, Barry and Milner both moved to Merseyside; Barry in the blue of Everton, Milner inLiverpool red. The latter's time at Anfield was the most decorated of his career, winning the Champions League, Premier League, and both domestic cups among his honours. As vice-captain, he helped set the standards in a dressing room packed with big names.

Now, more than 23 years after his debut forLeeds United, Milner stands on the verge of history. It's a testament to his professionalism, and ability to evolve with English football.

His longevity is highlighted by some staggering statistics.

Just five outfield players have ever made aPremier League appearance at the age of 40 or older, with Milner joining Teddy Sheringham, Ryan Giggs, Gordon Strachan and Kevin Phillips. If he continues into next season, Milner will pass Sheringham's record as the oldest outfield player in the league's history.

Opta Analyst have dropped some absurd statistics to spotlight Milner's feats. Almost half of the footballers to have ever played in the Premier League (49%), have featured in a game either alongside or against Milner. His 281 different teammates are enough to field 25 full teams, while he's played alongside players born every single year from 1968 to 2007.

It's barely believable.

Milner has played up to the 'boring' brand placed upon him, an unfair reputation earned in the most part for being reliable, professional and unwaveringly committed.

Those who know him best point to a dry Yorkshire humour and a personality that has earned him respect in dressing rooms for over two decades.

The fresh-faced youngster in an oversized Leeds shirt has come a long way and is now on the cusp of an all-time achievement. There's nothing boring about that.