James Milner matches Gareth Barry’s record for Premier League appearances.
James Milner matched Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record after being brought on from the substitutes’ bench during the first half of Brighton’s encounter with Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Milner came on for Carlos Baleba after just 22 minutes, marking his 653rd appearance in the top division.
With 12 matches left in the season and the adaptable 40-year-old showing no inclination towards retirement, it is highly likely that the former England international will surpass the record of his ex-teammate from Aston Villa and Manchester City in the upcoming weeks.
The Brighton veteran made his Premier League debut at the age of 16 for Leeds United in 2002 and has equaled the appearance record while representing six clubs: Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
Ryan Giggs (632 appearances) ranks behind Milner and Barry in the all-time standings. Frank Lampard (609) and David James (572) complete the top five.
Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (544), Gary Speed (535), Emile Heskey (516), Jamie Carragher (508), and Phil Neville (505) fill out the top 10.
– When will James Milner break the Premier League appearance record?
– Premier League table
