Why James Milner Is the Player Manchester City May Regret Not Signing in January

After another Man of the Match display, this time against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the need for Manchester City to extend James Milner’s contract grows ever clearer.

It was one of the most tenacious displays he’s produced in a City shirt—a breathless 90 minutes full of running, tackling, pressing, harrying and forcing opponents into mistakes. He led from the off and visibly raised the game of those around him.

Operating on the left, he gave Branislav Ivanovic a difficult evening and, as ever, offered defensive solidity, never once leaving Gael Clichy, the City left-back, isolated or exposed.

It was hardly a rarity, either. Milner has been one of City best and most consistent performers this season—not just a safe pair of hands but a creative, intelligent footballer central to many of his side’s best moments.

Which is why City may well regret allowing his contract to run into its final six months. Not signing him up earlier could well be City’s biggest mistake of the season.

Although Milner is technically not allowed to speak to English clubs until the summer, it would naive to think his agent hasn’t had contact with interested parties. Brendan Rodgers is a known admirer, and with Steven Gerrard set to exit Anfield this summer, a central-midfield role, which, according the Guardian's Daniel Taylor, is where Milner wants to be, looks to be there for the taking.

Milner, 29, has never been an England regular, and with both Gerrard and Frank Lampard now out of the international picture, he probably sees an opportunity to cement a place before he himself retires from the national side.

But City need to ensure his future is with them.

His versatility and commitment remain his defining characteristics, but this season, he’s taken his attacking play to a new level, with his intricate link-up play with David Silva a wonderful element to City’s forward play.

And it isn’t just his quality that makes him a vital squad member—his home-grown status is incredibly valuable, given City’s squad isn’t exactly blessed with players who fulfill that criteria.

The worry now is that the contract situation has dragged on for too long, that if Milner really wanted to commit, he would have been done so already. That’s not to say the situation is lost; these things can alter quickly, but it’s proof of the player’s unwillingness to commit—for the moment at least.

Milner knows that when everyone in this City squad is fit, he isn’t a guaranteed starter, and after being chronically underused last season—Manuel Pellegrini’s first in charge—it’s hardly a surprise he is weighing up his options carefully.

City’s job, between now and the end of the season, is to convince him they are the club to maximise his ability during the final years of his career. With the new Etihad Campus offering world-class training and medical facilities, there’s never been a better time to be associated with the club.

They have to resources available to take care of every player’s needs, allowing them to concentrate on playing to their very best ability. And given Milner has already made 30 appearances in all competitions this season—albeit in various position rather than a settled role—his playing time is certainly increasing and up there with the club’s best players.

His performances deserve it, and City cannot allow him to leave without one almighty fight.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2014-15 season. All quotes are obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard