On the surface, Glen Johnson is very much a Brendan Rodgers type of player. He has the technical and physical attributes but where he may lack is in the application of those traits. Players like Skrtel and Jon Flanagan may not be as gifted as Johnson but their attitudes are what has led to the manager persevering with them in the face of criticism.
Whereas Glen Johnson’s lack of interest, at times, has led to some hoping for the right-back to be replaced in the summer, despite how technically gifted he may be. So when interest from Real Madrid hit the headlines over the weekend there were a few more vocal in their support of such a move as one might have first thought.
However, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has moved quickly to discourage such suggestions, stating that talks for the defenders’ new contract will be a priority in the summer. He said “We want to keep Glen here, there is no question about that, especially now he’s in this form. He’s 29 and we feel that he has still got good years ahead of him.
“No contracts will be looked at until the summer but his will be a priority for us, especially if he continues in the form that he’s in.”
Despite having had a rotten season to date, Johnson has really started to pick up in recent games, lending credence to the claims that he had been suffering with a long-term injury which had subsequently been affecting his form.
Either way, it appears that the Liverpool manager is determined onto a player he deems to be one of the world’s best full-backs. Rodgers finished, by saying “We needed to come together to find a way to get him back to his best. That meant taking him out in order for him to get back to that level.
“Now he’s feeling fresh and playing for the first time in ages without any injuries. Now you see that mobility and running power that he has.”
A tad harsh David Tyler but you are entitled to your opinion, which may or may not be backed by others.
You say ‘lack of interest at times’ and ‘rotten season to date’ but a large part of of this season has been plagued by a niggling injury that without Enrique to play at left back and Kelly either injured or not up to it, Johnson has had to play through a certain amount of pain or recovering from injury. Especially as Cissokho is not first team material.
Now you could say that that is justification for saying ‘lack of interest’ or ‘rotten’ but I would argue that by putting his body on the line he has played in accordance to Rodgers’ stern words last year when he said that due to size of the squad, players would need to ‘Man up’.
I would argue that even a half fit GJ is still a very decent player, this season we haven’t seen his rampaging best but he has stuck to his defensive duties quite well, whilst trying to not accentuate his injury(s), backed up by BR who you have quoted above ‘That meant taking him out in order for him to get back to that level’. Plus I haven’t seen him at fault for a large percentage of goals against, that title goes to one or more center backs.
Nice short article tho.
Personally I would let johnson go at the end of the season especially if he wants an improved contract. Let flano and wisdom battle it out for the right back position
thank god you don’t have a say stevie.. martin Kelly should be ahead of both them.. agger be sold and sakho replace… Johnston stay , Kelly flano cover.. new left back needed.. Enrique cover.. new striker and awesome right side midfielder, suso back and we are on our way..
come on you reds.. dare to dream
clearly rodgers doesn’t rate kelly. i didn’t mention kelly because he doesn’t get a look in anymore.. i agree kelly is better than both but i think he may be on his way