Originally posted by Craig_H
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Good because you were wrong on this one mate
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I spent about 5 minutes typing this after the Utrecht game. Still seems relevant. Yes, it is poorly written etc. but I am ure you can get the jist. The sheer volume of posts from DP on every topic mean I am unlikely to get into any 'debate' on this, but I think tactically it shows the task GJ is asked to do for us.
'I have posted this elsewhere, but I actually feel a bit sorry for GJ after tonight. In recent games he seems to be expected to be both our best defensive and attacking option on the right flank. Because we are playing Merieles right mid and his instinct to drift infield gets the better of him all game long. Add in 2 pretty clunky immobile centre backs who don't have the pace to cover for Johnson along with 2 average CM's in Lucas and Poulson, who don't have the nouse to cover for him if he is forward (as he seems to be our only attacking outlet, he will get caught forward). So what the **** is he supposed to do? You can fault Johnson for a lot of things but to me he is up and down that right side all game.
There was a point tonight when we broke up one of Utrechts (numerous) sortays forward. Johnson had sprinted back to his man to the edge of the penalty area when we won possession on the left side. We broke quickly the ball went to (I think) Cole, who looked up saw Merieles (in CM position at this point) and passed it to him. There was a gap for our right mid to run into, only he had the ball in centre mid. Next thing Johnson is busting a gut to get beyond the last man again, making Merieles right mid run, to continue the attack. Play broke down and he then had to leg it back to mark his winger again.
A ****ing soul destroying shift that is. All because we are playing a guy (Merieles) in a position he does not know and hasn't got the game to play there. Kelly had much the same task - only with Cole showing (slightly) more discipline in front of him. And Kelly is a right footed centre back playing at left back...........
An attacking fullback should be overlapping a wide midfielder/winger, not doing both jobs themselves.Modifying post.Comment
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Whatever mate.Originally posted by danperkins View PostGood because you were wrong on this one mate
I am interested in debating with those that have some nous. Hence, i am not interested in your posts.Comment
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Do you wonder if Johnson playing really well in his first few games was him trying to prove himself on a number of levels. Firstly, he was just bought by the team who had just finished second in the league for a massive fee especially for a defender. also, he had choked previously at his first big club and was trying to prove himself good enough for the big time and also show that he wasn't some kid with potential. Then gradualy the buzz wore off and he wasn't really trying to impress anymore...96 Never ForgottenComment
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If you're suggesting that his current performance level is his 'normal' level, then no, i dont remotely think that.Comment
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Johnson is one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world that is being forced to play ultra defensive football.
He wasn't bought because of his defensive qualities. He was bought because of his attacking qualities.
He isn't a 4-4-2 player. He is a 4-2-3-1 player.
Rafa built a team based on pass and move football. That type of football suits Johnson, hoofball football don't.
It's like using Torres as a big target striker....wait a minute....another player that is being used in the totally wrong way. Another one is Reina and another one is Meireles and another one is Gerrard and another one is Cole and another one is Agger and another one.....
I think you get the point.Stop the cyberhate
from now on I will skip talking about our finances. That is a promise and will save myself from looking like a 
Susan Black
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The point is, and it is not a very subtle one, but I would say that the majority of people would agree that as a RB you should first and foremost be a defender (and at a aclub of our stature, for £16m a more than capable defender). And unfortunately Johnson has shown at his various clubs (perhpas aside from Pompey?) that he is not a very good defender.
Attacking wise he is a breath of fresh air but I want our RB to be a solid defender first and if that means he is not as dynamic going forward I would accept that, perhaps compensate for it by getting a proper winger to play ahead of him."Its not about the long ball or the short ball, its about the right ball." Bob PaisleyComment
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I'm not sure that things are as clear cut as that. In a lot of modern teams pressing higher up the pitch is a valid part of defending and playing the ball out, retaining possession and denying the opposition a second attack from any chance. I think Johnson has some very useful attributes in those regards when the team is set up well. His problems are in one on ones and decision making. Some players get better at the latter as they age and I feel that the former might well be reduced as a problem if it was sorted out.
He's not really a truly top class fullback but in the right system he would be a considerably more than adequate one. At the minute the system and way the team passes squad with little depth to passing moves makes him a at least as much of a problem as he is an asset. I think if Roy does continue he will have to make some gutsy decisions (like Johnson out of the team and either Carra or Kelly in at fullback)."The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."
-- William BlakeComment
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Wouldve loved to have seen how he faired with Xabi's woderful eye for a pass & Masch to coever him..3rd place. Worst champions ever.
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Someone cant take a joke jeez, sure if you wanna be immature and mildly condescending about it no worries, would rather you didn't reply soOriginally posted by Craig_H View Post
Last edited by danperkins; 04-10-10, 08:06 PM.Comment
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He is never a great defender, he makes mistake but his attacking play will compensate his mistake. Last year we pressed in other team's half, defending in our penalty area was much lesser than present. Therefore, Johnson's defending deficiency is more exposed.Originally posted by Arn View Post
Actually, in Hodgen's system, carra or kelly should be a better RB than Johnson.
Remember when Abeloa was still with us, a lot of people complaint that his attacking play was very poor, we should buy a good attacking RB to replace him.....God is backComment
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Cam I just say that this is a really great postOriginally posted by erick View PostHe is never a great defender, he makes mistake but his attacking play will compensate his mistake. Last year we pressed in other team's half, defending in our penalty area was much lesser than present. Therefore, Johnson's defending deficiency is more exposed.
Actually, in Hodgen's system, carra or kelly should be a better RB than Johnson.
Remember when Abeloa was still with us, a lot of people complaint that his attacking play was very poor, we should buy a good attacking RB to replace him.....
Trey Nyoni: countdown to stardom-2 years1year0.5 yearsComment
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He's perfect for a aggressive pressing attacking team which we used to be, he gets isolated now at fullback as he's fighting his natural urge to be raiding forward with the managers insistance that he hold a deep line. Also right now he's being blamed for everything thats wrong on the pitch like Lucas was last year which must be affecting his confidence.Comment
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