James Milner, who was confirmed as a Liverpool signing earlier this week, has forged a reputation as a resilient battler and a hard worker with decent technical ability.

That pretty much sits well with the reputation Jordan Henderson has built for himself over the last two seasons at Liverpool.

Therefore, a central midfield involving both Henderson and Milner will be full of energy, endeavour, relentless battling as well as some intelligent displays.

But how exactly would a midfield pairing of the Englishmen fare in Brendan Rodgers' side next season? Which formations could the Northern Irishman use to fit them both in, given they have a similar style of play?

4-3-3

This has always been Rodgers preferred formation. Unless either of them are deployed as defensive midfielders, which they are not, Henderson and Milner will line up as the two central midfielders ahead of the defensive midfielder.

The pressing and battling will be in copious display. But the disadvantage of that set up is that it sacrifices a creative player (eg. one of Philippe Coutinho or Roberto Firmino).

Milner and Henderson are capable of creating chances and scoring goals from midfield. But what a Coutinho, for instance, gives you - is the dribbling ability and that quality to wriggle out of tight areas, plus his perceptive passing to set off attacks.

In the 5-1 drubbing of Arsenal in 2013/14, the Reds' midfield three comprised of Steven Gerrard sitting essentially as a defensive midfielder and Coutinho and Henderson ahead of him. There was a fine balance between Henderson’s steel and Coutinho's finesse.

Coutinho's finesse will be sacrificed but there is abundance of steel. But that will be useful in some matches where battling and hormones are key to getting a foothold in a game.

A match against a team like Chelsea, where grit and tough battles define the midfield play, would see the 4-3-3 at its best. A combination of Milner and Henderson will be useful as their tenacity, work rate and steel should stand up to Chelsea's usually dogged and disciplined display.

The two are not in anyway inferior in terms of their attacking play boasting decent assist and goal records over the course of last season. So while they will provide steel and tenacity they can competently assist in the creation and scoring of goals.

4-4-2 diamond 

A formation employed to good effect in 2013/14, but strangely discarded throughout the 2014/15 season - the diamond has been highly effective for the Reds under Rodgers.

Even in the 2014/15 season, it was deployed in the impressive 3-0 victory away against Spurs. In that match Gerrard sat at the base of the diamond with Henderson and Joe Allen flanking him. Raheem Sterling, meanwhile, was at the tip of the diamond where he wreaked havoc. 

Milner can occupy Allen's slot at the side of the diamond with Emre Can at the base, whilst Coutinho can occupy the tip of the diamond.

One of the weaknesses of the midfield diamond is the vulnerability on the wings, but Milner and Henderson provide the engine to cover the full-backs whilst also providing attacking intent. 

Conclusion

Given Milner's decision to choose to drop out of a top-four club, it is almost certain that Liverpool will grant him regular playing time - but with Henderson set to be made the full-time captain, then he is almost certain to feature too.

With Joe Allen, Emre Can, Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino all vying for positions in the midfield too, it leaves Rodgers with a bit of a predicament - but to get the best out of both Milner and Henderson in one line-up - perhaps the 4-4-2 diamond is the way to go.