Where does Glen Johnson fit within Kenny’s masterplan?
I have always enjoyed watching Liverpool ’s Glen Johnson as a footballer. Although you sometimes want to close your eyes when he is backing away onto his own goal defending against a tricky winger, the England international is tremendously gifted when the ball is at his feet.
A precocious dribbler of the ball, Johnson can cause nightmares for many opposition full backs, always ready and waiting to provide an overlap for a winger so he can either force his way into the opposition box or unleash a shot on goal with either foot. The 26 year old has certainly added an extra dimension to the Reds attack since joining from Portsmouth a couple of years ago.
Still, you would be hard pressed to find a Reds fan who feels Johnson merited the £17million fee which Rafa Benitez paid in the summer of 2009. It could be said to be the going rate for an England full back, but like Andy Carroll, you always seem to have to pay a premium for an Englishman.
Although he may not have been worth the fee paid, it must be said that when fit, Glen has managed some very good performances in the last half of the season under Kenny Dalglish . Under previous manager Roy Hodgson , he was a shadow of his former self, and no doubt it was unwise of Roy to criticise the player in public for his poor displays. It was one of the many mistakes during the former Fulham boss’s ill fated 6 month reign, and it was speculated that Johnson was so unhappy about the remarks that he was considering leaving Liverpool in January.
Since the arrival of King Kenny however, along with the team’s performances, Johnson’s form has also picked up markedly. On many occasions Dalglish has asked Glen to fill in at left back due to injuries and the loan move away for Paul Konchesky . Rather than being uncomfortable in the position however, Johnson has looked quite at home. Although his attacking instincts have been curtailed due to the fact he is on his weaker side, the defensive aspects of his game have benefited as he is not caught out of position as often and is more focused on positioning, rather than getting forward.
Certainly, it will be good to see him return to right back next season once a left back is purchased in the summer, and we will again see some great marauding runs forward from the right flank. There is however a possibility that he could continue on the left side. After the emergence of both Martin Kelly and John Flanagan , it would be hard to believe that at least one of these two won’t get a great deal of game time next campaign.
I have no doubt the Reds will seek to buy a new solid left full back in the summer, but Glen Johnson can now be seen as another genuine option for the left full back role, especially if Kelly and Flanagan are given more opportunities next season by Kenny Dalglish.
Read more of David’s articles at Live4Liverpool
Football News 24/7
in relation to the transfer fee can i just remind you that prior to Johnson signing Liverpool sold Peter Crouch to Portsmouth, which is the same club that Liverpool bought Johnson from. the deal agreed for Crouch was one based on installments and given that Portsmouth later went into adminsitration. Liverpool stood to receive nothing more !!
the full details of the transfer fee actually received for Crouch and then cancelled out by the Johnson transfer is a bit unclear.
i think the fee for Johnson, probably took into account some of the fee that Portsmouth still owed. so basically we Johnson for Crouch + £7mil ?!
anyone got thoughts on this ??
as for overall value, id rather have him in the team than not !
Reply
Id like to see Kelly start at right back next year, with falnno as cover and then shove glen further up the pitch (As im sure we will sign a quality left back in the summer for the starting 11). Glen seems a similar mould to Bale and as he has played defence for a while he could easily help cover Kelly/Flanno on defensive duties while his skill, distribution of the ball and shooting would be well suited to the position once Clark n the King drill the role into him…
Reply
I really really really want to see what Glen can do on the right wing once we have a decent leftback.
Martin Kelly is a better defender, in my opinion.
Anyone else feel this way?
Reply
charles wade-palmer Reply:
May 19th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
I agree Adam.
Johnson in my opinion has been worth every penny and too good not to start so why not focus on his strengths and place him on the wing, which could save 20m in the summer by only buying one winger instead of two.
Reply
Ever since the debut of Martin Kelly, it was obvious to me that Liverpool should allow johnson to play on the right wing. I absloutely agree that his skills and attributes would suit that role and Liverpool would save on buying players.
We only need 2 left sided players, a left back and a natural left winger with pace. We have the best of Suarez, Kuyt and Carroll forward. I believe in midfield we are strong with Gerrard, Meireles and Lucas. Defence is good too, we just have injuries and a full fit Liverpool Team with the addition of 2 left players will bring silverware to the club.
My choice of team play:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Enrique
Johnson Meireles Gerrard Young
Kuyt Suarez
Reply