Rhys Williams has explained how James Milner has become 'like another coach' for Liverpool during his time on the sidelines.
Milner has been forced to watch on from the stands in recent weeks as he continues his return to fitness.
The midfielder might have only started 11 games in the Premier League this season but he remains as important as ever to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
And despite not being a part of Klopp’s matchday squads in recent weeks, the 35-year-old has still been attending his side’s games.
Repeatedly praised for his guidance to Liverpool's younger players, Milner sacrificed his mid-season break last season to watch a Neil Critchley-led side beat Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.
Milner even spoke to the players in the dressing room before the game at Anfield, and Williams has opened up on the influence the Reds' vice-captain has on his side.
“I think that's more down to the players. The boss knows that we've got a good group of lads,” the centre-back told liverpoolfc.com.
“Millie has been coming to games recently as the senior player in the squad to keep us motivated, keep us relaxed if we need that.
“It's more down to the players really. We know there's two huge games left for us this season but we can't go into games thinking we've got to score in the first minute.
“Like we saw against West Brom, it might come in the 95th minute from our 'keeper! I think we've just got to stay relaxed and we'll let the football on the pitch do the talking.”
Before Williams added on Milner’s importance: “Mille was at the West Brom game a few days ago.
“For him to take time out when he probably doesn't really have to, but the fact that he feels that involved in a team and he knows we're one big family... he's the bigger presence around the squad.
“That's brilliant for young players because before the game he was speaking to me and Nat, giving us advice.
“You can still hear him from the stands, he's almost like another coach. When I was having a bit of trouble with the striker, he was telling me to get Fab in front or to get Robbo to block him from running in from the side. To have Millie there, it's massive for us.”
The Reds head to Burnley tonight for another must-win encounter in their quest for Champions League football next season.
And Williams has claimed he is currently preparing for the biggest week of his young career in a bid to help his side secure a top four finish.
“Yeah, definitely so far,” he replied when asked if this is the biggest week of his playing career.
“I don't think anyone at the start of the season really knew who I was, or I didn't think I would have got the chances that I have.
“But if I can do what I need to do and get us into the Champions League places, then I think that'll be the biggest thing for me in my career so far.
“We just need to keep going, we've got good players around us. Me and Nat, we're young, we're still learning but hopefully we can just do our job and get us into the top four.”
