Over the international break, Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker capitalised on Glen Johnson's injury by starting last night's England's game against Poland, but former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes that when both are fit, Johnson is by far the better option.
In his column for Sky Sports, Redknapp argued that Johnson is the better player of the two. He observed:
"I'm not Kyle Walker's biggest fan. Going forward he's fantastic but defending is sometimes an after-thought for him.
"If Glen Johnson was fit he'd definitely be my right back [for England].
"He [Walker] has to do his defensive duties as well. He sometimes forgets that, thinking he's a winger".
Another ex-Red, Michael Owen, recently insinuated that €18m-rated Walker is 'overhyped', and having watched him quite a few times for Spurs, I'd agree with that, though Redknapp's description of Walker's defensive issues could equally apply to Johnson, who is often a defensive liability for Liverpool.
I've raised this point many times in the past, and whether Liverpool fans choose to accept it or not, Johnson's defensive frailty has cost the Reds quite a few goals over the years. Like Martin Skrtel, he seems to suffer fatal lapses of concentration (mostly positional), which, more often than not, lead to opposition goals. Having said that, prior to his injury, Johnson performed well defensively, which bodes well for the future.
It will definitely be interesting to see how Johnson performs in Liverpool's 352 formation. Given his attacking ability, it seems like the ideal position for him, and it's the closest we'll get to seeing Johnson play as an out and out right winger (something LFC fans have requested for years), so hopefully it will work out.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
In his column for Sky Sports, Redknapp argued that Johnson is the better player of the two. He observed:
"I'm not Kyle Walker's biggest fan. Going forward he's fantastic but defending is sometimes an after-thought for him.
"If Glen Johnson was fit he'd definitely be my right back [for England].
"He [Walker] has to do his defensive duties as well. He sometimes forgets that, thinking he's a winger".
Another ex-Red, Michael Owen, recently insinuated that €18m-rated Walker is 'overhyped', and having watched him quite a few times for Spurs, I'd agree with that, though Redknapp's description of Walker's defensive issues could equally apply to Johnson, who is often a defensive liability for Liverpool.
I've raised this point many times in the past, and whether Liverpool fans choose to accept it or not, Johnson's defensive frailty has cost the Reds quite a few goals over the years. Like Martin Skrtel, he seems to suffer fatal lapses of concentration (mostly positional), which, more often than not, lead to opposition goals. Having said that, prior to his injury, Johnson performed well defensively, which bodes well for the future.
It will definitely be interesting to see how Johnson performs in Liverpool's 352 formation. Given his attacking ability, it seems like the ideal position for him, and it's the closest we'll get to seeing Johnson play as an out and out right winger (something LFC fans have requested for years), so hopefully it will work out.
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
Watch England? I'd rather eat glass.
ReplyDeleteI challenge anyone to point out the last time Johnson made a mistake that cost Liverpool a goal. His form last season and the beginning of this one has been very good.
ReplyDeleteglen johnson is the greatest right back at lfc in teh pl era and would not be far behind as liverpools greatest right back evrer
ReplyDeletewilson,kent,rossiter
ReplyDeletefantastic prospects
Johnson is a very good attacking FB but not the greatest defender.
ReplyDeleteIf it was not for his injury stricken career then Rob Jones would have put any other RB to bed.
He didn't play against Poland, he played against Montenegro
ReplyDeleteCouldn't touch Arbeloa or Phil Neal
ReplyDeleteHe is a far better player than Arbeloa. It's hard to compare with different generations, because the role of a fullback has completely changed.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't disagreeing so much as saying that I agree with you that I think he is up there with the best in league. I just happen to think he is a little bit behind the other too.
ReplyDeleteAgree to disagree :)
I think Finnan was better than Johnson or Arbeloa, in recent years. More dependable and a good crosser of the ball. He was more a Gary Neville type. I think Finnan was very underrated; one of the players who really grew under Rafa.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say Johnson is an all-time great either- he spends too much time injured to be considered against the greats.
Putting loads of people to bed was just one of many excesses enjoyed by our 'Spice Boys' era team.
ReplyDeleteIt was a surprisingly entertaining game.
ReplyDeleteCricket ?????!!! Blimey. Trust the English to invent a game that's weather dependant.....
ReplyDeleteThe tea's were more interesting than actually playing, from what I remember. :)
Can't beat a day out watching England play cricket, especially if it's raining :-)
ReplyDeleteIt was a really good game. The polish fans made the atmosphere at Wembley better than I've seen it since it re-opened and watching our captain clinch it was bloody brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThe band not playing also helped. God I hate that band. Enjoyed the game and Gerards finish was really good.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, we are lucky to have Luis back in one piece after that appalling tackle on him last night for Uruguay's penalty.
ReplyDeleteI agree he has defiantly grown and had better positional awareness over the last 2yrs, which is the mark of good player. it will be interesting to see walker and if he does the same because he is young but as of now I would rate Johnson higher
ReplyDeleteNow, don't start Jaimie off! There was a clear elbow/arm in the back and Suarez did everything he could to stay on his feet. ;)
ReplyDeleteI really feared a spinal injury.
ReplyDeleteJohnson is very skillful and is missed. But his decision making is questionable - one too many dribbles, or too many longshots that go way past goal, and not tracking back. He has his good games (MU), but can be very frustrating to watch because for all his effort, dribbles will needlessly give the ball away (e.g. Notts County - even though he managed an assist).
ReplyDeleteHopefully he comes back playing like he did against man U, he's 90% top quality, that 10% where he takes it too far, or shoots (1 goal in 54 shots last year) is where his problem is. If he settles down, and doesn't "try" for the goal, he'll be better - the goals (a couple) will come naturally.
Was a soft penalty, but still within reason. But if you watched the game, that was not his highlight - his crosses, corners, free kicks and over all play were awesome - he was involved in all three goals- lucky to have him back we are!
ReplyDeleteNo argument from me. Walker is the weak link in the Spurs offense AND defense.
ReplyDeleteTHAT I would watch.
ReplyDeleteYou must be watching a different game of football....Johnson's lack of defensive duties will always cost his team goals
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for glen to return. I hope the rumore of glen leaving in two years are not true......
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind seeing LFC signing Dembele from Spurs.......
ReplyDeleteAgreed, I watched the game, he was XLNT.
ReplyDeleteAnd Maxi was cool also.
The discussion was about his performances for England.
ReplyDeleteAre you a Spurs supporter mate? If it wasn't for Harry Redknapp - Tottenham could have been relegated into the Championship. He saved them and helped bring them to the levels they are playing now.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, I don't think Walker is all that, he has bundles of pace but his brain can't keep up with his legs most of the time and he gives away silly free kicks in the opponents half of the pitch.
ReplyDeleteJohnson all day long. Hopefully he comes back from injury on the same form he started this season
ReplyDeleteSmalling played against Poland. Johnson and walker are much better going forward than defending. Hate to say it but since rat boy retired England have struggled at right back.
ReplyDeletePersonally I'll always be thankful for the work that 'Arry did - and there's no denying that he got us where we are today. Having said that, Mark has a point, since Levy sacked Redknapp, Jamie hasn't had a good word to say about Spurs, and often seems to go out of his way to find something negative to say. That's his prerogative I guess.
ReplyDeleteAs for Walker vs Johnson, when they're both on form, I'd say they're roughly equivalent... problem being that Walker hasn't been on form (regularly!) for a year now, whereas Johnson has been a far more reliable performer over the same period. Fingers crossed that Walker can follow his example and improve the defensive side of his game, rather than relying on his pace to bail him out.
Finnan was so underrated. His crosses were world class.
ReplyDeleteHe left way to soon.
Agree. The back four of Finnan, Hyypia, Carra and Riise was immense. Much better than the current back 4/5 (IMO)
ReplyDeleteHe's one of those players that's almost too good for his own good. He gets into good positions with such ease and economy of movement, drifting past people to come inside or even now still take them on outside. But he overestimates his own shooting ability, and his passing in the final third is, whilst often intelligent, rarely incisive.
ReplyDeleteHave to remember with full-backs in a back four, though, that he pretty much has to make sure that when he ends up in or around the opposition penalty area that it results in an attempt on goal or set-piece, otherwise he is going to be caught out of position. So his mad optimism when shooting has a defensive side, too, meaning we are less likely than to be hit on the break. Defending isn't just about blocks and tackles!
He was underconfident wasn't he, Finnan. He could be hesitant on the ball, was like he didn't really believe he was good enough for Liverpool. I always liked him, too.
ReplyDeleteMaxi was good. What about Cristian Rodriguez? Would have him on any team.
ReplyDeleteRob Jones could of been the best right back in the country.
ReplyDeleteI will never forget his debut when he had Giggs in his pocket the entire game.
He certainly would of been England Right Back as he was twice the player Neville was.
Markus Babbel has been LFC's best right-back over the last 20 years...easy!
ReplyDeleteReally? Next you will tell me Dembele would jump at the chance! Wake up, this is not the 80s!!!!!
ReplyDeleteKyle Walker and Glen Johnson are very similar attacking full backs. Walker has cost Spurs goals by being casual with his passing, giving away possession and leaving himself out of position. Glen Johnson has been doing all of the above for a lot longer than Walker so for me Walker edges it because he may improve and get the errors out of his game.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if Jaime Redknapp says he is over rated it is probably true. Jamie was himself one of the most over hyped English footballers of his generation. He enjoyed the profile of a top player but 34 goals in 314 games, for a 'creative' central midfielder, suggests otherwise. 1 goal in 17 England appearances, between 1995 and 1999, while Matt Le Tissier was overlooked in favour of Redknapp, would also suggest that Jaime knows good and well it's not what you know it's who you know,This is especially true in football.
Le Tissier scored 161 in 443 for Southampton, from midfield, and was a far better player than Redknapp and his mates Beckham, Butt, Batty and Mcmanaman but was continually overlooked.
That was a real injustice.
He's not, Walker is a very poor defender
ReplyDeleteagreed.. Rob was magic
ReplyDeleteGood shout. Babbel was excellent but unfortunately short-lived.
ReplyDeleteI think Glen Johnson is one of England's more consistent performers (admittedly, that isn't high praise).
ReplyDeleteRiise in his last two years was dog shit though.
ReplyDeleteReally saddened me to see a player who'd been such a good servant seem to lose interest in the game.
Rob Jones was a great player, but as much as people don't like him, Neville is the best right-back of the Premier League era. Very solid defensively, a good crosser of the ball and made Beckham better when they played together (good rapport).
ReplyDeleteHarsh on Redknapp. He had hell with injuries. Very talented footballer.
ReplyDeleteJOHNSON CANNOT TACKLE MR REDKNAPP USE YOUR FUCKING BRAINS
ReplyDeleteHe's better attacking and defending , best right back for England!
ReplyDelete