Glen Johnson

[RedReet]

Yes he has three clean sheets from the last six games he played in, but those same three clean sheets are also the only clean sheets from every game (league, domestic cups or CL) he has played in.


Here is another stat for him. Every game this season in which we conceded three goals Johnson started.


Now I don't think he is the only reason behind the first team being weakened, but I do believe that he is one of those reasons. He just does not offer an awful lot anymore and has not done so on a regular basis for some time.

A similar ratio to the rest of the team then, before our recent change in fortune.

He didn't play against West Ham and conceding 3 against the like of Madrid, City and United is hardly that surprising considering the way we were defending with or without him. No excuse for Palace again though.

I think he'll be well suited for this formation and I'm not sure if we'd ever have seen Can playing where he is now if Johnson hadn't have got injured. I definitely think he was earmarked as the ball playing CB and he did ok there on Saturday.

[The_weatherman]

Definitely, we cant give Rodgers any credit. Lovren actually first got dropped when he was fit but lets forget that.

I'm not allowed to criticize Rodgers so he won't get any credit either.

But when did our good run begin? Against Arsenal maybe to an extent? We played well then. Lovren and Johnson missed out because of injuries and have since then, barring one second half from Lovren. Since they got injured and dropped out we havent lost a game IIRC.

[Chris]

I'm not allowed to criticize Rodgers

I dont think thats true now is it? Thats pretty much all you ever post, that, the hatred of Steven Gerrard and crying about how badly you get treated when people pull you up on stuff.

[The_weatherman]

I dont think thats true now is it? Thats pretty much all you ever post, that, the hatred of Steven Gerrard and crying about how badly you get treated when people pull you up on stuff.

Wow, you really are obnoxius. Always go for the man, never the ball.

[RedReet]

I'm not allowed to criticize Rodgers so he won't get any credit either.

But when did our good run begin? Against Arsenal maybe to an extent? We played well then. Lovren and Johnson missed out because of injuries and have since then, barring one second half from Lovren. Since they got injured and dropped out we havent lost a game IIRC.

I would say it was the United game, which also coincided with our change of formation. We were still poor at the back initially, but with the reintroduction of Lucas and as we gradually adapted to the new formation, we’ve started looking more solid at the back. Since then, many of our heavily criticised players have looked much better, Coutinho, Skrtel, Mignolet, Henderson etc., so it’s unfortunate for the likes of Johnson or Lovren that they haven’t had the chance to see if they too can show improvement in a much more settled and suited system.

[baitman]

Qpr on a free

Source;

I have a dream.

[RichC]

I'm not allowed to criticize Rodgers so he won't get any credit either.

But when did our good run begin? Against Arsenal maybe to an extent? We played well then. Lovren and Johnson missed out because of injuries and have since then, barring one second half from Lovren. Since they got injured and dropped out we havent lost a game IIRC.

TBF he could have continued playing the same formation which wasn't working for us but instead he changed it and worked out a system that best suits our players.

[The_weatherman]

I would say it was the United game, which also coincided with our change of formation. We were still poor at the back initially, but with the reintroduction of Lucas and as we gradually adapted to the new formation, we’ve started looking more solid at the back. Since then, many of our heavily criticised players have looked much better, Coutinho, Skrtel, Mignolet, Henderson etc., so it’s unfortunate for the likes of Johnson or Lovren that they haven’t had the chance to see if they too can show improvement in a much more settled and suited system.

Lucas didn't play the United game but Lovren and Johnson did, well Johnson went off injured fairly early. But I guess you can say it was a turning point. IMO Rodgers would not have swapped Lovren for Sakho unless forced to, at least it would have take more games, he was forced to take Johnson out after the United game and Lovren was injured a week later.

[The_weatherman]

TBF he could have continued playing the same formation which wasn't working for us but instead he changed it and worked out a system that best suits our players.

I know I said I wouldn't give credit to Rodgers, but that was only to Chris. I have said before that I didn't expect him to turn it around but he did, so credit to him for that, we are playing good football again and there is purpose to our play and setup again which is fantastic.

But, I feel he wouldn't have made some of the changes unless forced to, like I have said.

[BobTheCharmer]

But, I feel he wouldn't have made some of the changes unless forced to, like I have said.

Throughout history this could be true. All managers need a little luck and if Rodgers was the injuries then so be it. You'll never know for sure what he had intended to do. What's relevant now is that we have changed and are looking much better.

[Doc_Piptorious]

A similar ratio to the rest of the team then, before our recent change in fortune.

He didn't play against West Ham and conceding 3 against the like of Madrid, City and United is hardly that surprising considering the way we were defending with or without him. No excuse for Palace again though.

I think he'll be well suited for this formation and I'm not sure if we'd ever have seen Can playing where he is now if Johnson hadn't have got injured. I definitely think he was earmarked as the ball playing CB and he did ok there on Saturday.

Don't see why Johnson would be well suited to our current formation, no more than the formations we used earlier in the season.


He does not offer anything going forward and he is prone to being caught out of position at the back. Not to mention his workrate looking very average at best. In short he offers less than others who have played in the RWB and RCB slots and certainly does not deserve a starting berth in either position anymore.

A 20 year old winger who never played in the PL league before has shown more effort, invention, and dedication in the rwb slot this season than Johnson has shown on a regular basis for a few seasons now.

Same goes for Manquillo. Another young lad with very little first team experience to his name, yet he manages to look more likely to bust a gut for us in the RB position that Johnson is hugely experienced in.


Then we have Can in the RCB role. Another kid new to the country and who I would have in that slot every single time before Johnson because Can looks like he gives a **** and he already looks a superior player in our backline to the player Johnson has been more often than not the last few seasons.

Basically he is a player who is not even good even to be first back up but who is on a first team starter wage. The amount he gets paid is not his fault of course, but keeping him longer than he needs keeping would be a mistake by the club imho.


An expensive paperweight of a player is all Johnson is at this point. And unfortunately he also looks like one that no other club is interested in taking off of our hands. At this point I would just let him run down his contract and let him off in the summer, and only play him as a last resort.

Let Markovic, Manquillo, Moreno, and Enrique cover the WB slots, and let our four CBs and Can cover the CB positions. No need at all to put Johnson ahead of any of them in the pecking order.


If Johnson was used on a regular basis he may well have a really good game from time to time, but that should not cover up for how bloody average to poor he is the rest o the time.

[danperkins]

Don't see why Johnson would be well suited to our current formation, no more than the formations we used earlier in the season.


He does not offer anything going forward and he is prone to being caught out of position at the back. Not to mention his workrate looking very average at best. In short he offers less than others who have played in the RWB and RCB slots and certainly does not deserve a starting berth in either position anymore.

A 20 year old winger who never played in the PL league before has shown more effort, invention, and dedication in the rwb slot this season than Johnson has shown on a regular basis for a few seasons now.

Same goes for Manquillo. Another young lad with very little first team experience to his name, yet he manages to look more likely to bust a gut for us in the RB position that Johnson is hugely experienced in.


Then we have Can in the RCB role. Another kid new to the country and who I would have in that slot every single time before Johnson because Can looks like he gives a **** and he already looks a superior player in our backline to the player Johnson has been more often than not the last few seasons.

Basically he is a player who is not even good even to be first back up but who is on a first team starter wage. The amount he gets paid is not his fault of course, but keeping him longer than he needs keeping would be a mistake by the club imho.


An expensive paperweight of a player is all Johnson is at this point. And unfortunately he also looks like one that no other club is interested in taking off of our hands. At this point I would just let him run down his contract and let him off in the summer, and only play him as a last resort.

Let Markovic, Manquillo, Moreno, and Enrique cover the WB slots, and let our four CBs and Can cover the CB positions. No need at all to put Johnson ahead of any of them in the pecking order.


If Johnson was used on a regular basis he may well have a really good game from time to time, but that should not cover up for how bloody average to poor he is the rest o the time.

[RedReet]

Don't see why Johnson would be well suited to our current formation, no more than the formations we used earlier in the season.


He does not offer anything going forward and he is prone to being caught out of position at the back. Not to mention his workrate looking very average at best. In short he offers less than others who have played in the RWB and RCB slots and certainly does not deserve a starting berth in either position anymore.

A 20 year old winger who never played in the PL league before has shown more effort, invention, and dedication in the rwb slot this season than Johnson has shown on a regular basis for a few seasons now.

Same goes for Manquillo. Another young lad with very little first team experience to his name, yet he manages to look more likely to bust a gut for us in the RB position that Johnson is hugely experienced in.


Then we have Can in the RCB role. Another kid new to the country and who I would have in that slot every single time before Johnson because Can looks like he gives a **** and he already looks a superior player in our backline to the player Johnson has been more often than not the last few seasons.

Basically he is a player who is not even good even to be first back up but who is on a first team starter wage. The amount he gets paid is not his fault of course, but keeping him longer than he needs keeping would be a mistake by the club imho.


An expensive paperweight of a player is all Johnson is at this point. And unfortunately he also looks like one that no other club is interested in taking off of our hands. At this point I would just let him run down his contract and let him off in the summer, and only play him as a last resort.

Let Markovic, Manquillo, Moreno, and Enrique cover the WB slots, and let our four CBs and Can cover the CB positions. No need at all to put Johnson ahead of any of them in the pecking order.


If Johnson was used on a regular basis he may well have a really good game from time to time, but that should not cover up for how bloody average to poor he is the rest o the time.

Well I think Can has shown that you don’t have to be the best defender to play in a back 3, but being a ball playing CB who is comfortable in possession makes a world of difference. Johnson was initially earmarked for that role and I think he’s capable of playing there, although admittedly I wouldn’t drop anyone for him ATM. You have accused him of being prone to getting caught out of position and although this is a problem for any FB that’s expected to join the attack, the security of an extra CB and Lucas in DM surely leaves us less exposed at the back if Johnson is caught upfield. We didn’t have this security earlier in the season. Again, ATM, I wouldn’t drop Markovic for Johnson, but equally I wouldn’t be worried if he was picked in either position.

Markovic has played well there, I agree, but it’s not his natural position. He was played in his familiar role earlier in the season, in a team that was struggling and it was no surprise to see him struggling too. If he was playing RB when we were playing 4 at the back with Gerrard as DM, like Johnson was, I dare say he wouldn’t be doing so well.

I got the impression overall that this was the crux of your argument, that Johnson doesn’t look bothered. THB there is nothing I can really do to change that. If you think he doesn’t look arsed, I can’t change your perception, although he did look a bit arsed when he stuck his head in to get the winner at QPR.

I agree about Can and no doubt he has been key to our transformation, but if anything that offers me more encouragement about Johnson’s suitability.

I didn’t think he was going to sign a new contract so I was happy to leave him out of the side of the remainder of the season as I don’t believe he is essential. Now that he might be staying, I do believe that he can add value to the squad and refuse to accept it’s the end of the world like some on here, or that Rodgers has lost the plot.

Not a fan of this ‘no other club wants him’ argument. It’s often not backed up by facts (Roma, Lazio, Inter, QPR etc linked) and doesn’t necessarily change what value a player has to our club.

Johnson has tested my patience too of late and I don’t think he should be an automatic starter, but some of the reactions from fans is an absolute joke and in some cases a disgrace.

[Doc_Piptorious]

Well I think Can has shown that you don’t have to be the best defender to play in a back 3, but being a ball playing CB who is comfortable in possession makes a world of difference. Johnson was initially earmarked for that role and I think he’s capable of playing there, although admittedly I wouldn’t drop anyone for him ATM. You have accused him of being prone to getting caught out of position and although this is a problem for any FB that’s expected to join the attack, the security of an extra CB and Lucas in DM surely leaves us less exposed at the back if Johnson is caught upfield. We didn’t have this security earlier in the season. Again, ATM, I wouldn’t drop Markovic for Johnson, but equally I wouldn’t be worried if he was picked in either position.

Markovic has played well there, I agree, but it’s not his natural position. He was played in his familiar role earlier in the season, in a team that was struggling and it was no surprise to see him struggling too. If he was playing RB when we were playing 4 at the back with Gerrard as DM, like Johnson was, I dare say he wouldn’t be doing so well.

I got the impression overall that this was the crux of your argument, that Johnson doesn’t look bothered. THB there is nothing I can really do to change that. If you think he doesn’t look arsed, I can’t change your perception, although he did look a bit arsed when he stuck his head in to get the winner at QPR.

I agree about Can and no doubt he has been key to our transformation, but if anything that offers me more encouragement about Johnson’s suitability.

I didn’t think he was going to sign a new contract so I was happy to leave him out of the side of the remainder of the season as I don’t believe he is essential. Now that he might be staying, I do believe that he can add value to the squad and refuse to accept it’s the end of the world like some on here, or that Rodgers has lost the plot.

Not a fan of this ‘no other club wants him’ argument. It’s often not backed up by facts (Roma, Lazio, Inter, QPR etc linked) and doesn’t necessarily change what value a player has to our club.

Johnson has tested my patience too of late and I don’t think he should be an automatic starter, but some of the reactions from fans is an absolute joke and in some cases a disgrace.

I am not knocking your take on the player and fully accept that our POVs may head off in different directions at times, but I really see no reason to play Johnson.

I just think there are at least one or two players in each position that Johnson can play in who are more deserving of starts than him.

Players that I feel are more effective in the roles than Johnson, and, maybe more importantly, who I feel add more to the team when they start than Johnson does.


I do think that Johnson has looked a little lacking in terms of desire/effort/call it what you will at times, but I also think he slows play down something rotten and that a lot of his decision making ranges between overly obvious to downright baffling.


For me he is too big a risk as he can be a passenger at times, and I don't think the rest of our team is so good that it can afford to have too many passengers in positions that traditionally need to have pretty consistent players in them.


The players I named in my earlier post deserve, in my opinion of course, to be ahead of Johnson on merit, and as such I see no reason at all for him to leapfrog over any of them in the pecking order unless one or more of them start to show the sort of poor form that warrants them being dropped.

[DannyMan2006]

He's never been one to roll his sleeves up when the going gets tough. When all is going well he's a very good player. He's just not motivated enough to play in a struggling team. I accept that when on form he's the best RB we have and he's a good option to have as RCB in the role of bringing the ball out from the back.

The issue is, the point in having experienced players is to keep young players feet on the ground and put that arm around them. I don't think Glens ever been that leader on the pitch or the kind to rally the players in difficult situations. Instead he folds like a house of cards. And it is because of his character that would mean I would hold back giving him a contract.

We do need experience, but we need the right kind of experience.