Do Liverpool Need Glen Johnson?

Johnson looks to have worn out all of the good will he’s built up in his time at Anfield

Despite the impending arrival of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan, it looks very unlikely that the controversial striker will be the last piece of transfer business involving Liverpool Football Club.

A defensive midfielder and back up goalkeeper are required, while another striker alongside Balotelli would be welcomed should Fabio Borini depart.

Borini is one of many who have been linked away from Anfield. A concrete offer is on the table from Sunderland for a player that has flattered to deceive during his time with the Reds. Moreover, for a whopping £14m, it is a deal that many Liverpool fans would love to happen.

The likes of Daniel Agger and Oussama Assaidi are others that are inching towards the exit door.

But what about Glen Johnson?

Celebrating his 30th birthday this weekend, Johnson has continuously divided the Anfield faithful ever since he arrived for what seemed to be a generous amount from Portsmouth. In 2009, Rafael Benitez forked out £17m to beat other big clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester City, to sign the England international.

With Alvaro Arbeloa on his way to Real Madrid (for a measly £3m), the regular right back slot was available, but with other positions in need of strengthening, it was a surprise to see Benitez allocate so much of Liverpool’s precious funds towards Johnson.

He arrived with a reputation for being very attack-minded and eager to take on people and join in at the other end of the pitch. However, his defensive abilities were not, and are still not at the highest levels, resulting in a series of mistakes during his time at Liverpool that have led to goals being conceded.

Johnson can be electrifying on his day but has waned terribly in recent seasons

Nevertheless, he has enjoyed some very memorable moments, such as scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge when Liverpool defeated Chelsea 2-1 in November 2011 and netting a spectacular effort against West Ham in December 2012, with the Reds going on to win 3-2.

One of his more productive games was against Manchester United last August, although he limped off with an injury which kept him absent for five games. Johnson then suffered another setback last season in January, which sidelined him until the 4-3 win over Swansea City.

From then on, he was a regular starter for manager Brendan Rodgers, but his early season form had disappeared and he was criticised for his performance in the 3-3 collapse against Crystal Palace. Even just recently, with the 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in the International Champions Cup, many fans suggested that Rodgers should leave Johnson in the United States!

With Alberto Moreno and Javi Manquillo arriving this summer at full-back, Johnson’s place in the starting XI has never been under so much pressure. Jon Flanagan made his true breakthrough last season, while Jose Enrique is also back from a long-term injury.

Manquillo and Flanagan are both capable of playing on either flank and are in need of games to continue their development – Manquillo particularly as he is only at Liverpool on loan so needs to prove his worth for a permanent deal. Jose Enrique is younger than Johnson at 28 and would probably not command as large a transfer fee.

Given Johnson’s age, his wages (which most reports claim is over £100,000 a week) and the fact that he cannot seem to ever learn from his defensive errors, it is perfectly understandable why many Liverpool fans would be happy to see the back of him.

There have been clubs linked with Johnson this summer, from Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers to the mighty Real Madrid. Despite his problems, Johnson is still regarded as one of the leading full-backs in England, although he has only one year left on his contract. Regardless, £10m is a realistic fee that could be received for Johnson, which is fairly enticing.

Manquillo may just put the pressure on Johnson this season

However, whilst in normal circumstances four full backs would suffice in a squad, given that Liverpool are preparing to return to the Champions League a replacement for Johnson would be absolutely necessary.

His loss would reduce the already limited experience of the squad in Europe’s premier competition. Furthermore, Liverpool would be left with a full back coming from a serious injury and who is just as questionable defensively as Johnson, plus Flanagan, inexperienced in the Champions League, and Moreno and Manquillo, who have only just arrived.

For a season of such magnitude, another experienced full-back is necessary and there are not too many options left on the market. Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid is one name that has been mentioned (Liverpool Kop) but he is mainly a centre-back. Additionally, Rodgers might make a couple more signings this transfer window, but not four or five.

Therefore, Johnson should stay at Anfield for one more season, even if it means him leaving on a free next summer. At this time, even though teams are interested does not mean that a deal will be done, given that he would probably have to take a pay cut, with the exception of Madrid.

In addition, rotation is going to be a regular occurrence this season with the Champions League and cup fixtures. Johnson may find that he will never have a regular place again, but he should still receive his fair share of first team football, be that on the left or the right.

He can also help guide the likes of Flanagan, Moreno and Manquillo this season with their development before both he and Enrique move on in 2015. Then one more elite full-back can be signed to compete with the young trio.

Johnson’s days at Anfield are numbered, of that there is little doubt. Yet with other areas of the pitch needing to be addressed first, he may end up staying at Liverpool for the time being.