'He changed it’ - Lewis Dunk credits 'lovable and amazing' teammate for Brighton turnaround
Lewis Dunk hinted he wants fellow veteran James Milner to remain at the club, for another European campaign, after praising the former England international’s influence on Albion’s season.
Milner surpassed the all-time Premier League appearance record this season, when he played a starring role in Brighton's vital 2-0 win at Brentford, in February. This was a result many will look back on, as one which changed the trajectory of Albion’s season.
For Milner, it was his 654th top flight outing and, in doing so, he eclipsed Gareth Barry's record.
The 40-year-old veteran is out of contract this summer. Skipper Dunk and head coach Fabian Hurzeler have all highlighted his importance of late.
Milner played a key role on the pitch when needed but it's his presence and know-how in training and helping the youngsters that remains of great value. Hurzeler wants to work with him next season and Milner – when asked recently – was undecided.
Dunk, 34, spoke to reporters after Brighton secured their place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.
Asked whether Milner could play a role in the club’s second European campaign, the club captain said: “I hope so. He’s been incredible since he’s come to the football club.
“The age he is and how fit he is and how determined and every detail matters – there’s nothing I can say other than he’s brilliant.
“He’s a strange human but he’s lovable and amazing.”
Dunk suggested Milner’s return to the side during the second half of the season helped transform Brighton’s fortunes during the run-in.
“I think if you look at the period after, the period I was talking about, he came back into the team and changed it,” the skipper said.
“We’ll give credit to him to keep fighting, make us fight and get back to where we want to be.
“He’s an incredible player, human and hopefully he’s there for another year.”
After the pivotal Brentford match earlier this year, Guinness World Records confirmed two further records for the former Newcastle, Leeds, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool man.
He has the longest gap between first and last English Premier League (EPL) goals (22 years 248 days) – and the most consecutive English Premier League seasons played (24).