James Milner SLAMS former Liverpool teammate for their attitude before praising the young star for turning it around and developing a 'top-notch' mentality

James Milner has slammed a former young Liverpool teammate for their attitude, before praising the unnamed star for turning things around.

The midfielder – who can also play as a full back – joined Brighton this summer after leaving the Reds following an eight-year spell in which he made 332 appearances.

Despite being 37, he still plays in the Premier League 21 years after his top flight debut.

Milner is known for his professionalism and work rate during his time in the game and has also represented the likes of Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Man City.

However, as he reflected on his time at Liverpool and the attitude needed to succeed, he interviewed a youngster at the club.

Milner left Liverpool in the summer after an eight-year spell in which he made 332 appearances

“One of the young lads at Liverpool who came through, had great skills, was a bit of a joker and a great lad, but maybe he didn't apply himself as well as he could have,” he told Jake Humphrey on the radio. High performance podcast.

'He didn't always do what he had to do. I remember in preseason we sat in the ice baths and talked to him for 10 minutes, 15 minutes and it was one of those moments where you feel like he's listening, but you know it's going in one ear and out the other .

“You think, 'we need to have that conversation again' and you get on the phone and we have the conversation again and keep pushing him, every little thing.

“It's hard because you see so many players who are great and have the ability, but don't realize the opportunities they have until it's over and it's too late.

'They are then 24, 25 and out of the game because they have not yet embraced all the facilities.'

Nevertheless, Milner explained how his message ultimately got across and praised the teammate for making the most of his opportunity.

He added: “They have everything and the boy at Liverpool is doing so well now.

'And I'm very happy for him and you can see the character, how he's changed and he's kept that bubble and everything he stands for, but he's doing very well.

Milner insisted his message was finally getting through, saying the youngster is 'doing so well now'

The 37-year-old is now at Brighton and is known for his professionalism in his career

“His attitude is excellent and sometimes you just have to help him find that path, or the right way to do it.”

Milner is third in the Premier League all-time list with 629, just three behind Ryan Giggs and 23 behind Gareth Barry.

The 37-year-old has made 13 appearances for Brighton in all competitions this season, with the Seagulls sitting seventh in the Premier League and having already qualified from their Europa League group.

They are back in action on Thursday when they host Marseille before traveling to the Emirates to take on Arsenal on Sunday.