Glen Johnson

[DannyMan2006]

I kind of agree that Balotelli is ill-suited to a high intensity 4-3-3 as he doesn't work hard enough and is on the periphery of things.

Well if you listen to the media we tried for others but he was the only one good enough who would join. If I'm honest, no point getting a Suarez like player, as we'd still not be of last years level as we won't find anyone as good as Luis.

I think Mario will become a world class player, but we'll have to change to fit him in. We could have signed Shearer or Drogba, but we'd still have had to change. It's not Mario that's the issue, it's the system that needs to be tailored to suit him.

[baronvonskidmark]

I wouldn't mind seeing 2 from Henderson/Can/Allen deeper providing speed and strength/the ability to snap at heels with Lallana ahead of them and Sterling behind Sturridge and Balotelli. Lallana and Sterling could interchange quite well and both could provide width as necessary - as will our full backs while still having midfielders able to cover ground quickly to cover for them if the move breaks down so our CBs won't be too exposed.

Balotelli might not be Suarez in terms of work rate (no one is), but it is actually not too bad and the ball sticks with him as well as any striker in the league. He's no slouch either and has a brain to bring others into play. Good pace in the team too with Sturridge & Sterling and we could easily incorporate Markovic as a back up to Sterling. For me it suits our squad more.

[Kenneth]

We really shouldn't be adopting a system in order to suit a mediocre striker who'll probably be gone in a year or two.

[baronvonskidmark]

We really shouldn't be adopting a system in order to suit a mediocre striker who'll probably be gone in a year or two.

That's a bit harsh mate. He needs a partner imo. With a partner he'll be more effective. He's got a great first touch and I think I'm right in saying that he has only played once with Sturridge, against Spurs on his first game for us and we won 3-0. Ok he missed a few chances but the fact that it was his first game has to be taken into account. He's strong and clever and hopefully will be great once he has someone up with him to link with.

His finish against Ludogorets was good and the way he superbly pulled the ball out of the air and snapped a quick shot in against West Ham bodes well for the future.

[Kenneth]

It probably is a little harsh, but expectations that he's going to 'become a world class player' are only going to lead to disappointment imo. He's decent, but we lost one of the best players in the world and the replacement in his position isn't even the best striker at the club, or even near to being.

[baronvonskidmark]

It probably is a little harsh, but expectations that he's going to 'become a world class player' are only going to lead to disappointment imo. He's decent, but we lost one of the best players in the world and the replacement in his position isn't even the best striker at the club, or even near to being.

Obviously two world class strikers is preferable, but the teams going for the title only have one top striker each. City have Aguero and Chelsea have Costa. I don't think either of them are particularly better or more threatening than Sturridge tbh - and Aguero like Sturridge gets injured fairly easily (more-so imo), the difference being that Sturridge takes less time to recapture his form.

Dzeko (and Jovetic) have fits and starts while Chelsea have an ageing Drogba albeit with Remy as well.

Balotelli is no Suarez (who is) and I agree with you in that I doubt he'll ever be a true world class striker (how many are there?) , but I think he'll be a very good one for us, given time and more importantly a partnership with Sturridge.

[DannyMan2006]

It probably is a little harsh, but expectations that he's going to 'become a world class player' are only going to lead to disappointment imo. He's decent, but we lost one of the best players in the world and the replacement in his position isn't even the best striker at the club, or even near to being.

He's got good technical skills for a strong powerful target man and good pace. If he continually puts in effort he will be world class. Of course, many players could become much better than they are if they applied themselves more. Cristiano Ronaldo is considered by everyone whose played with him as the best trainer they've played with. It's not rocket science.

[marcus50bucks]

I have given this guy so much stick in the past so it's only right I give credit where credits due. I felt he made a good contribution when he came on. Looked comfortable and his experience helped us secure victory. Long may it continue.

[dww]

A fit and fresh Johnson will be a big help to us I think. Hopefully we ease him in so that he doesn't break down again.

[Slinky Skills]

He was like the one who brings balance to the force yesterday when he came on except he brought balance to the team.

We looked so much better and safer with him in the team, he carries the ball well and offers a lot more experience than Manquillo does.

[kubrickscube]

I'd imagine he would put Skrtel more at ease too, as they're used to covering each other

[Buzzo]

Wrong Fred.

[danperkins]

Be interesting to se how Johnson gets on, would be nice two have the Johnson of old... not so sure that's ever going happen though. Manquillo has done well.

[MrMichael]

Manquillo has done excellently for such a young and inexperienced player - I'd compare him to Flanno last season in terms of level. But like Flanno on the left, you always feel a real, experienced first team quality player might offer more, and that would be the case with Johnson if fit and playing at his top level.

However, the Johnson we've mostly seen for the last 12 months doesn't deserve Manquillo's place really.

[Frenchie]

Thought he looked leaner yesterday, he is obviously going to up his game now that he is playing for an extension or a new club..win win.