First off - Great three points to start the season, despite a below par performance. But down to business, has Glen become one of the biggest liabilities in our squad? If I'm honest, I thought we'd see an improvement from him with the shift to left back.. but it's become apparent that his work rate, ball control and general play leave a lot to be desired and despite being an important player for us since his arrival in 2009 he shows no sign of regaining form. I don't want to be overly critical as he's been a good player for us but the inevitable loss of pace has had a big impact on his game. What do you think? Back-up, last season or gone now?
Johnson helped LFC to get three points with his defending against Long. Also note, Johnson was not playing in his preferred positon.
We can't shift him so he will just run down his last year and then **** off. He wasn't too bad today to be honest but hoping manquillo keeps his place and Moreno goes straight in
His defending today was ok. I don't think he did much wrong. Most of the threat came down our right though with Tadic against Manquillo who I thought looked assured. Looked a bit iffy at the start but soon got into it and stopped plenty of crosses coming in, harsh to be booked as well. Johnson just looked shaky on the ball. He'd get it and whether it was lack of options or just confidence but he seemed like he didn't want it and didn't know what to do with it when he did get it. I'd think Moreno will be 1st choice when he comes back with Enrique as back up with Manquillo & Flanno fighting for the RB slot. If anyone comes in for Johnson I think he'd go, but I doubt anyone would spend some money on him and then pay his huge wages so he could well be back up this year and then released on a freebie last year. As I say, I don't think he was the worst player on the pitch today, probably Lucas but he needs to become comfortable on the ball again because he looked poor in that aspect today.
LAst year, LB was our problem. With Enrique back and Moreno in, looking like RB will be this season problem now. Dont think the RB players have as much quality as LB players.
He's a very one dimensional player, which didn't used to be a problem as he was excellent at what he did. But he seems to have lost a yard of pace and a lot of confidence and I don't think he should be anywhere near the first XI in the future. Manquillo has slotted into the team excellently and I expect him to retain his place when Moreno eventually dislodges Johnson from left back. Manquillo, Flanno, Enrique and Moreno are more than capable of holding the full back positions without the need to use Johnson (except for the odd cup game). Lucas would also appear to be surplus to requirements too. He hasn't ever regained his 2012 form and he just seems to slow our play down, needing that extra touch that prevents us from counter-attacking effectively. I love the guy, but I don't think he has a future with us anymore. I hope Rafa brings the best out of him again at Napoli
No-one's scapegoating-just assessing the qualities of a player who's been problematical for a year or so now. Nothing wrong with that.
I've read so much of this zombified GJ heckling over the last year on here, the word "scapegoating" doesn't do it justice. It stinks like ****ing class warfare.
Because he's been ****ing ****. Every single game he has been either the worst or 2nd worst player on the field.
glen johnson is the sole survivor on high wages, he is unfit, portly (for a player in his position), slowing, dodgy defensively..... of the rafa guys on huge wages he tops agger and skertl by 30k per week. Johnson will be injured for at least a third fo this season I predict (if he plays) Manquillo and flanagan are our RBs. Johnson is a hanger on. Moreno is our only LB... again johnson is the hanger on as enrique has vanished.
