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.
To be honest, i think he should be played up top with suarez and carroll as an attacking 3. He then has no defensive responsibilities plus we get Kelly ot Flanaghan as an overlap. And we save a ton or money, which could be used to buy a decent left back.
If we’re to play 4-4-2, the Johnson on the right wing and then spend money on a left winger.
Id play him on the right wing, we have seen time and time again when he gets forward he can provide an assist or a goal.
Steve – I don’t think Glen has the attributes to play in a 3 with Carroll and Suarez. He would be more utilised as a overlapping wing back or a right midfielder. Personally I think RM position for him would be best suited as the defending nature of that position is not highly regarded as a RB/RWB would be. However, Glen is a fantastic athelete and would track back if the RB is out of position from an attack. he can produce great crosses which would provide assist to Carroll. To be honest Kelly has been a great RB for us which is why Glen has been playing on the left. What I don’t understand is the 40k fans that watch LFC week in week out can see that Glen would be a great RW why can’t the manager? Me personally I would give it a try. We got 3 potentional RB at the club, Glen, Kelly and Flano. Kelly would be first choice and that position could be covered by Flano. both have good pace and the ability to cross. Glen on the other hand has got that extra pace and skill and that should be used further up the pitch. Why go out and but a RW when we have one at a tender age? Spurs move Bale to LW and look at the benefits it has had on them? huge! If KK could see that then all he would need to do is concentrate to purchase a good LB and LW!! Kuyt who currently plays on the right could be moved back into central plus he is now 30 and no disrespect to him he has a great engine but he has proved he can score and he would provide a great foil for Suarez and Carroll as he has a great passion for the club. A few tweaks with the current squad bring in Baines LB and Young/Downing LW and possibly a CB and we would have a very good balanced squad! Thoughts?