No.1: Henry Winter (The Times)

It was injury time at Anfield, and James Milner was gesturing to Nathaniel Clyne to get down the right, chasing the goal against Borussia Dortmund that would keep Liverpool's Europa League dream alive. It was classic Milner, the quiet leader, encouraging teammates to keep going, and also applying his quick footballing brain.

Milner sensed that Dortmund were vulnerable, especially down this flank. Clyne attacked, was fouled, gifting Liverpool the free-kick opportunity. Milner took responsibility again, delivering the dead-ball to Daniel Sturridge, and then racing on, hunting the winner. Sturridge returned possession to Milner, whose first touch pushed the ball towards the byline, and his second lifted it across in front of a hopeful Kop towards Dejan Lovren at the far post. The rest is history and headlines.

Lovren's name understandably featured in the large print sizes but it was Milner, the heart and lungs of Liverpool, who played the key role in setting the stage for the free-kick, taking it, and then showing that remarkable stamina that set him apart as a schoolboy cross-country runner across Yorkshire's muddied fields. Milner charged into the box to make that killer cross. Milner's delivery from corners can be poor but his crossing is frequently exceptional. He was similarly good against Villarreal at Anfield in the semi-final.

Most of Liverpool's players have been invigorated by the charismatic Jürgen Klopp, including the likes of Emre Can, Lovren, Clyne and Adam Lallana. Milner has really responded. At 30, he is playing some of the best football of a career that started for him as a 16-year-old at Leeds United, and has seen him give good service for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City (when played) and now Liverpool, as well as in a range of positions on 58 occasions for England.

Milner has always been respected but he deserves praise as more than Mr Reliable. He has a trick, certainly in creating space to get a cross in with a feint or a neat turn; a return of 14 assists this season (and seven goals) reflects his creativity, including a fine pass to Philippe Coutinho against Dortmund. He has a prodigious work-rate, and few players cover more than his 12.5km a game.

He has a real determination, sustaining a knock against Villarreal but playing on. He almost looks affronted when offered medical attention; he's no-nonsense, no complaints.

Milner's versatile too. He's less effective in a central two, but as an attacking central midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 he can make his mark while he frequently delivers on the right, attacking and covering his full-back. Milner also has a knack of making the right decision, whether cutting inside the full-back or going outside and crossing.

His deep dedication to his profession is well known. He's reliable off the pitch as well as on. When chatting to the press on England duty, we always ask him about @BoringMilner. He typically takes the Twitter parody followed by half a million people in good humour. Almost 6,000 people 'liked' the post after the defeat of Dortmund that read "I know it's a bit late to be having a celebratory cup of tea but it's not everyday you qualify for the semi-final of the Europa League."

The account essentially celebrates mundanity but at a time when many footballers are associated with excess, Milner can take the parody as a compliment. You don't read about Milner on the front pages. He's a model professional who turns up on time, trains hard, gives everything in matches, and goes home. He spends time on his golf and his charitable foundation. He's a manager's dream. Halfway through his second decade as a professional, Milner is being truly appreciated. Liverpool's No.7 will relish the final in Basel.

Follow Henry Winter on Twitter @henrywinter.