Liam Millar
Millar with Liverpool FC in 2017
Personal information
Full name Liam Alan Millar[1]
Date of birth (1999-09-27) September 27, 1999[2]
Place of birth Toronto, Ontario, Canada[3]
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[4]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder, left winger
Team information
Current team
 Preston North End
(on loan from Basel)
Number 23
Youth career
Brampton Youth SC
North Mississauga SC
Burlington YSC
2013–2016 Fulham
2016–2019 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2019–2021 Liverpool 0 (0)
2019–2020 → Kilmarnock (loan) 33 (2)
2021 → Charlton Athletic (loan) 27 (2)
2021– Basel 59 (7)
2023– → Preston North End (loan) 18 (3)
International career‡
2017–2018 Canada U20 3 (0)
2018 Canada U21 4 (0)
2018– Canada 24 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 December 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 22, 2023

Liam Alan Millar (born September 27, 1999) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for EFL Championship club Preston North End, on loan from Swiss Super League club Basel, and the Canada national team. He featured in the youth ranks of Brampton Youth SC and North Mississauga SC before moving to England to join Fulham Academy aged 13. After three years with Fulham, he joined the Liverpool Academy in 2016.

Early life

Millar was born in Toronto and raised in Brampton and Oakville.[3] He moved to England at the age of 13 for footballing purposes.[5] He began playing soccer at age four with Brampton YSC.[6] Afterwards he played with North Mississauga SC and Burlington YSC.[7]

His father played for Charlton Athletic and is an electrician who works on television series, including Game of Thrones.[8][9]

Club career

Early career

Millar began his career with Brampton Youth SC at the age of four.[3] After two years he joined North Mississauga SC and remained at the club until his move to England. He joined Fulham at the age of 13 but felt he struggled to adapt to English football.[10] On moving to England, Millar said "It took me a while to adjust to how English football is, it probably took me a good two-and-a-half years."[10]

Liverpool

In July 2016, he joined Premier League club Liverpool on a free transfer with striking options limited in the Academy.[11]

Millar scored four minutes into his Liverpool U18s career and marked his debut in the U18 Premier League with a hat-trick in a 4–0 victory against Blackburn Rovers U18s in August 2016.[12] A month later, he signed a professional contract on his 17th birthday.[13] Injury ruled Millar out for three months of his inaugural season but a return in January saw him finish the season with six goals in 17 appearances in the U18 Premier League.[10]

He featured in every game of Liverpool's 2017–18 UEFA Youth League campaign and scored twice in eight games.[14] After 18 months under the guidance of Steven Gerrard in the Under-18s, Millar received his first call-up to the Under-23 squad in January 2018.[15]

He made his senior Liverpool debut on February 4, 2020, starting in the FA Cup fourth-round replay against Shrewsbury Town.[16] He was replaced by Joe Hardy in the 82nd minute. In mid-2020 Liverpool turned down multiple transfer offers for Millar, who received loan interest from clubs in the Championship and Bundesliga.[17]

Loans to Kilmarnock

On January 31, 2019, Millar signed a long-term first-team contract with Liverpool[18] and joined Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock on loan until the end of the 2018–19 season.[19] He made his debut on February 1 in a 2–1 loss to Heart of Midlothian.[20] He scored his first goal on March 11 against St Mirren.[21]

He returned on loan to Kilmarnock in August 2019.[22] This loan period was cut short in January 2020 when he returned to his parent club.[23]

Loan to Charlton Athletic

On January 5, 2021, Millar completed his move to Charlton Athletic on loan until the end of the season.[24] He scored his first goal for Charlton on January 26 in a 1–0 league win over MK Dons.[25] Over the season he played 27 games for the club scoring two goals.

Basel

On 8 July 2021, Swiss Super League club Basel announced that they had signed Millar on a four-year deal until June 2025.[26] Liverpool confirmed the transfer the same day.[27] The transfer fee was reported to be £1.3 million, with a negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause. Having completed medical checks on Tuesday, he signed his contract and joined the team on Thursday 8 July for their 2021–22 season under head coach Patrick Rahmen.[28]

After playing in two test games, Millar played his domestic league debut for his new club in the away game in the Letzigrund, coming on as substitute for Valentin Stocker in the 72nd minute, as Basel won 2–0 against Grasshopper Club on the opening day of the season on 25 July.[29][30] He scored his first goal for his new team in the Swiss Cup away game on 19 September. It was the first goal of the match in the 35th minute as Basel went on to win 3–0 against amateur club FC Rorschach-Goldach.[31][32] He scored his first league goal the team two weeks later, on 26 September, in the home game in the St. Jakob-Park as Basel won 3–1 against Zürich.[33] He scored his first goal in the UEFA Europa Conference League in the away game on 4 November. It was the equaliser, in the 57th minute, as Basel played a 1–1 draw against Cyrian team Omonia.[34]

That season Millar played 31 league games, scoring seven goal, three Cup games, scoring one goal and 12 Conference League games with two goals.[35] The team advanced as far as the round of 16 in this competition, but here were eliminated 4–2 on aggregate by Marseille.[36]

In the following league season he played 26 matches, four in the Cup and 16 in the Conference League scoring his sole goal of the entire season against Irish team Crusaders.[37] The team advanced as far as the semi-finals in this competition, but here were eliminated 4–3 on aggregate by Fiorentina.[38]

Loan to Preston North End

In September 2023 Millar signed with Championship side Preston North End on a loan deal until the end of the season.[39] He made his debut on 16 September against Plymouth Argyle, scoring the second goal in a 2–1 victory at Deepdale.[40] On Boxing Day, he registered a goal and an assist in a 2–1 home win against Leeds United.[41]

International career

Youth

Millar was first involved in the international set-up at the age of 14 in the squad for the Tournoi Montaigu.[3] After being invited to an U20 camp in Costa Rica in 2016, he made his debut in the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in February 2017.[42] He made three appearances as Canada finished third in Group A and failed to progress to the classification stage.[43] In May 2018, Millar was named to Canada's under-21 squad for the 2018 Toulon Tournament.[44] Millar was named to the Canadian U-23 provisional roster for the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship on February 26, 2020.[45]

Senior

In March 2018, Millar was named in John Herdman's first squad as national team manager.[46] In that same camp, Millar made his senior debut and first start for Canada during a 1–0 win over New Zealand, impressing while doing so.[47][48] In May 2019, Millar was named to the 23-man squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[49]

In November 2022, Millar was called-up to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.[50] He made one appearance at the tournament, in Canada's opening match against Belgium.[51]

In June 2023, Millar was named to the 23-man squad ahead of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[52] He scored his first goal for Canada during the tournament on July 4 against Cuba, netting the final tally in an eventual 4–2 victory.[53]

Style of play

Millar's preferred position is as a number nine, but he has been utilised in various roles with Liverpool due to his flexibility. He has been noted for his ability on the left flank.[54] In August 2016, manager Neil Critchley said: "He's a goalscorer. He can run down the side of defenders, he runs in behind, he gives them real problems with his movement and he's a good finisher off both feet. He's got a good brain, good awareness, very calm and can finish. He's a good player, a good all-round player."[11]

Personal life

Millar is married to Daniela Paniccia,[55] who played for the Penn State Nittany Lions and Oakville Hornets in the Provincial Women's Hockey League.[56] They have a daughter together.[57]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played December 26, 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Liverpool 2018–19[58] Premier League 000000000000
2019–20[59] Premier League 001000000010
2020–21[60] Premier League 000000000000
Total 001000000010
Kilmarnock (loan) 2018–19[58] Scottish Premiership 1311000—00141
2019–20[59] Scottish Premiership 2010020—00221
Total 33210200000362
Liverpool U21 2020–21[60] ————3[lower-alpha 1]232
Charlton Athletic (loan) 2020–21[60] League One 2720000—00272
Basel 2021–22[61] Swiss Super League 31731—12[lower-alpha 2]2004610
2022–23[62] 26040—16[lower-alpha 2]100461
2023–24 2012—1[lower-alpha 2]00042
Total 5978300293009613
Preston North End (loan) 2023–24 EFL Championship 18300000000183
Career total 13814103202933218222

International

As of match played November 22, 2023[3]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Canada 201840
201940
202160
202230
202371
Total241

Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Millar goal.

List of international goals scored by Liam Millar
No.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1July 4, 2023Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, United States20 Cuba4–14–22023 CONCACAF Gold Cup

References

  1. ↑ "40-Player National Team Roster: 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: Canada" (PDF). CONCACAF. p. 2. Retrieved May 20, 2019 – via Bernews.
  2. ↑ "Liam Millar: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Liam Millar at the Canadian Soccer Association
  4. ↑ "Profile - Canada Soccer". January 28, 2020. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Former NMSC Player Liam Millar Signs Pro Contract with Liverpool". North Mississauga Soccer Club. September 28, 2016. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  6. ↑ Liam Millar at the Canadian Soccer Association
  7. ↑ "Canada Soccer announces squad for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022". Canadian Soccer Association. November 12, 2022.
  8. ↑ Armstrong, Laura (November 17, 2018). "Millar at epicentre of Canadian soccer youthquake". The Toronto Star. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  9. ↑ "Alan Millar". IMDb. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  10. 1 2 3 "Meet the Academy: Liam Millar". Liverpool FC. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Kelly, Andy (August 15, 2016). "Who is hat-trick hero Liam Millar?". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  12. ↑ "A star in the making – 16-year-old Liam Millar scores hat-trick on U18s debut". The Empire of The Kop. August 15, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  13. ↑ Hunter, Steve (September 27, 2016). "Academy striker Liam Millar signs professional contract". Liverpool FC. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  14. ↑ uefa.com. "UEFA Youth League - Liam Millar – UEFA.com". UEFA.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  15. ↑ Pearce, James (March 12, 2018). "International call for Liverpool youngster". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Liverpool vs. Shrewsbury Town - 4 February 2020 - Soccerway". uk.soccerway.com.
  17. ↑ Sam Carroll (July 15, 2020). "Liverpool international prospect attracting transfer interest from Bundesliga". Liverpool Echo.
  18. ↑ Williams, Sam. "Liam Millar signs new LFC deal and joins Kilmarnock on loan". Liverpool FC. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Canadian international joins on loan from Liverpool". www.kilmarnockfc.co.uk. January 31, 2019. Archived from the original on February 1, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Kilmarnock 1-2 Hearts: Killie fall to home loss". February 1, 2019. Archived from the original on February 2, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2019.
  21. ↑ "St Mirren 0 Kilmarnock 1: Jubilant scenes in Paisley as Liam Millar grabs late winner". March 11, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Kilmarnock: Liverpool forward Liam Millar returns to Kilmarnock on loan". BBC Sport. August 6, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  23. ↑ "Liverpool's Liam Millar returns from Kilmarnock as loan is cut short". BBC Sport. January 8, 2020.
  24. ↑ "DONE DEAL: Canada international Liam Millar joins on loan from Liverpool". Charlton Athletic. January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  25. ↑ "MK Dons 0-1 Charlton Athletic". BBC Sport. January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  26. ↑ FC Basel 1893 (July 8, 2021). "Der FCB verpflichtet Liam Millar" [FCB signs Liam Millar] (in Swiss High German). FC Basel 1893 AG. Retrieved July 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ↑ "Liam Millar joins FC Basel in permanent transfer". Liverpool FC. July 8, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  28. ↑ Jones, Neil (July 8, 2021). "Liverpool forward Liam Millar completes £1.3m Basel move". goal.com. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  29. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (July 25, 2021). "Grasshopper Club - FC Basel 0:2 (0:0)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  30. ↑ FC Basel 1893 [@FC_Basel_en] (July 25, 2021). "2' - Next change for FCB. < Stocker > Millar A competitive debut for @liammillar11" (Tweet). Retrieved July 25, 2021 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (September 19, 2021). "FC Rorschach-Goldach 17 - FC Basel 0:3 (0:1)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  32. ↑ FC Basel 1893 [@FC_Basel_en] (September 19, 2021). "THE OPENER!! A first goal in Red/Blue for @liammillar11!" (Tweet). Retrieved December 12, 2021 – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (September 26, 2021). "FC Basel - FC Zürich 3:1 (1:0)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  34. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (November 4, 2021). "Omonoia FC - FC Basel 1:1 (1:0)". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  35. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (2022). "Liam Millar - Statistik 2021/22". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  36. ↑ UEFA.com (March 17, 2022). "Agg: 2-4 Marseille win". UEFA.com. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  37. ↑ Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv” (2023). "Liam Millar - Statistik 2022/23". Verein "Basler Fussballarchiv”. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  38. ↑ UEFA.com (May 18, 2023). "Agg: 3-4 Fiorentina win after extra time". UEFA.com. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
  39. ↑ "PNE Bring Liam Millar In On Loan". www.pnefc.net. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  40. ↑ Hodson, George (September 16, 2023). "Liam Millar lights up Preston North End's win over Plymouth Argyle as Ryan Lowe's men stay top". Lancashire Evening Post.
  41. ↑ "Millar nets late winner as Preston beat 10-man Leeds". BBC Sport. December 26, 2023. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Canada Soccer". canadasoccer.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  43. ↑ "CONCACAF Under 20s – Men". concacaf.datafactory.la. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  44. ↑ Alicia Rodriguez (May 19, 2018). "Canada national team roster for prestigious Toulon Tournament released". Major League Soccer.
  45. ↑ "Canada Soccer announces Provisional List for Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying". Canada Soccer. February 26, 2020. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  46. ↑ Molinaro, John (March 12, 2018). "John Herdman names roster for 1st match in charge of men's team". Sportsnet.ca. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  47. ↑ Sferra, German (March 24, 2018). "Canada 1, New Zealand 0 | International Friendly Recap". MLSSoccer.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  48. ↑ "Ricketts lifts Canada to victory over New Zealand in friendly". Sportsnet. March 24, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Together We Rise: Canada Soccer announces squad for the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup". May 30, 2019. Archived from the original on July 24, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  50. ↑ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (November 13, 2022). "Canada announces 26-man squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar". Canadian Premier League.
  51. ↑ "Canada dominates, but held scoreless in loss vs. Belgium to open World Cup". November 23, 2022.
  52. ↑ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (June 19, 2023). "CanMNT announces final 23-man squad for Concacaf Gold Cup". Canadian Premier League.
  53. ↑ Tierney, Mitchell (July 4, 2023). "MATCH ANALYSIS: Canada advance to Gold Cup quarter-finals after decisive win over Cuba". Canadian Premier League.
  54. ↑ "Who is Liverpool's young Canadian forward Millar?". This Is Anfield. October 4, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  55. ↑ "Who is Liverpool FC striker Liam Millar's girlfriend? When's the wedding? Details on dating life". TV Trend Now. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  56. ↑ "Daniela Paniccia". Elite Prospects. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  57. ↑ Neil Davidson (October 6, 2021). "Liam Millar aims to make mark with new Swiss club, help Canada reach World Cup". CBC.
  58. 1 2 "Games played by Liam Millar in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  59. 1 2 "Games played by Liam Millar in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
  60. 1 2 3 "Games played by Liam Millar in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  61. ↑ "Games played by Liam Millar in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  62. ↑ "Games played by Liam Millar in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
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