Arne Slot praises record-breaking ex-Liverpool man ahead of Brighton game

Liverpool hosts Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, which represents the chance for fans to congratulate a former player on achieving a unique landmark

Arne Slot has called for Liverpool to replicate its recent form when it hosts Manchester City

Arne Slot has congratulated James Milner on equalling the record number of Premier League appearances.

The former Liverpool midfielder moved on to 653 games in the English top flight when he came off the bench in Brighton & Hove Albion’s defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday. Should he play against Brentford next weekend, Milner will surpass Gareth Barry’s long-standing record.

Of those 653 Premier League appearances, 230 came during his seven-year stint at Anfield - and Milner will be back at his old stomping ground on Saturday for Brighton’s FA Cup fourth-round fixture. Ahead of that tie, Slot praised the 40-year-old’s incredible achievement.

“I know this is a different competition, but I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate James Milner for equalling the Premier League's appearance record,” wrote the Dutchman in his pre-match column.

“I was not fortunate enough to work with James at Liverpool but I know from speaking to our own staff, players and supporters just what a special individual he is and how highly regarded he is at this club.

“Tonight he is an opponent of course, though, and given the standards he has set for himself and for others throughout his career, we should expect Brighton to bring a challenge that we have to be ready for.”

Milner moved on to 653 Premier League appearances on Wednesday

As Milner was setting records on Wednesday, Liverpool was in action at Sunderland. The 1-0 win in midweek helped ease some of the pressure on Slot, with the Reds cutting the gap to the Champions League places.

An FA Cup triumph would also enhance his position and Liverpool’s chances of claiming silverware this season.

The FA Cup is the Reds’ most likely route to winning a trophy, which would certainly help turn a frustrating campaign into a successful one. That fact is clearly not lost on Slot.

An FA Cup win would be a huge boost for Slot(Image: Getty Images)

“Mentioning the supporters is so important because the impact they can and do have on us when we need them most could hardly be greater,” wrote the Liverpool head coach, in reference to the support shown by the away fans at the Stadium of Light.

“This was especially true in Sunderland and although it is not new, it felt even more noticeable and impactful because of the wider situation and also because of the need for us all to stick together.

“There will always be noise on the outside, especially when we have setbacks and tough moments, but the noise from our fans at Sunderland could not have been more positive and supportive.”