Louis van Gaal believes that James Milner is a more important player for Liverpool than Lionel Messi is to Barcelona.
The former Manchester United manager highlighted the veteran midfielder's contribution to the Reds and used the European Cup win as a shining example.
Jurgen Klopp's side lifted the Champions League trophy in Madrid earlier this month and Van Gaal was suitably impressed with 33-year-old Milner giving his all in both the midfield while also defending at the same time after coming on for Gini Wijnaldum just after the hour mark.
Van Gaal was asked by El Pais about the dynamics of teams and what his opinion was on squads that fight for each other compared to ones who seem to have more individual players.
"Look at Barcelona," he said.
"How many Champions League’s have they won with what they say is the best player in the world?
"Look at Neymar at PSG. How many Champions League trophies won?
"Neymar and Messi , I like them as individual players, not as team players.
"I believe that in collective games there is nothing more important than the team player."
The Spanish publication then asked him who was the best team player he had seen this season.
"One of the best is James Milner," Van Gaal said.
"In the final of the Champions League he played as a defender and as a midfielder.
"It’s great that he can offer that at 33.
"And the forwards? Everyone plays for the team.
"Salah, Firmino and Mané work very hard in defence because Klopp wants to press.
"Until a few months ago he saw the light: he understood that pressing is not always the right thing to do.
"Depends on the conditions.
"His Dortmund was more offensive than his Liverpool, where he learned that sometimes you have to fold a little bit, collect your lines and counterattack.
"That is good for Salah, Mané and Firmino because they are very quick to take advantage of the spaces behind the rival defence.
"Barça suffered it.
"I think Messi should ask himself how it is possible that he has not won a Champions League for so long."
