Great praise by Capello, but we all knew what he is capable of. I rate him higher than that Kyle Walker lad, Johnson's place is under threat at International and Club level. Do you see Kelly improving when going forward or do some people think he will become a CB before then?
Nice to see Kelly getting some praise from Capello! Right-back for England will be interesting in the years to come. Johnson has got the right-back slot at the moment but both Walker and Kelly will be pushing him very hard indeed. And I can see Kelly being moved into centre-back in 2 or 3 years. Carragher will be close to retiring by then and in the coming years, Kelly could learn a lot from Carragher.
Both are still young. It's early to judge them against each other. I like Kelly's work rate though, and he could make an excellent CB one day as he's so good with the ball.
He's a better RB than Johnson. The only way i see them both playing is if Kelly is moved to CB - But then we lose his powerful bursts down the right. Hard decision to be honest.
Leave him at right back for now he's boss there He could be our Paolo Maldini (except a right footed one ) Seriously though I know he's young and will make mistakes but he's got decent pace, has a good reading of the game, is strong and seems to have a quiet steel about him. Impresses on a number of levels and seems to have taken like a duck to water to playing at full back but obviously his long term fitness has to be considered as well. Kenny has to use him sparingly at times (whatever we think as fans when he's on the bench) simply because given a bit more time, his fitness and stamina will improve naturally and he's one for the long term.......yes i am still scarred by Rob Jones being overplayed as a youngster Maybe he'll make a great centre half one day but for now I rejoice in hearing his name on the teamsheet whenever and wherever he plays Arise Sir Martin of Anfield (one day)
This could also benefit us as if Johnson wants to stay in the England line-up, he will want to ensure he puts in top performances for club, especially with one of his rivals for the spot at same club.
Martin Kelly is well well ahead of Kyle Walker. Good to see Capello praising him. I believe he has a major role to play for Liverpool this season and if called up to England then a major role for them. He is a fantastic defender.
He is a brilliant player and will get better over time,the way he gets forward down the line brilliant He could do the job at CB to Kelly will be vital for us this year Getting games at international level will give the lad load of confidence and up his game even more CLASS PLAYER
I echo your sentiments Bluff. What people forget is for a long time Johnson has not had competition at both Club and Country and the emergence of Kelly will be the best thing that could happen to him. Johnson is a talented footballer compared to Kelly but his attitude and slackness leave him open to criticism. That said if that competition spurs Johnson on then we will have one hell of a wing back on our side.
He'll probably follow the route of Carragher and have a few seasons at RB (possibly CB in a cup game or two) before moving full time to CB.
I'm usually sceptical when it comes to using youngsters in the first team but Kelly has impressed a lot and I see him as a regular starter for Liverpool. I think it helps his case being a big unit but he combines it with good pace and technique. He's the heir to Carra's throne.
I remember when Capello first got the job he was asked who'd impressed him most. "Downing," he said. You can imagine what the wum muppets made of that.
In my opinion, Martin Kelly is a future Liverpool captain. Healready reads the game exceptionally well. He is a CB by the way, but canplay right across the back, as we know. He was my man of the match on Saturday.
I also ain't too keen on playing youngsters straight into the starting line-up but Martin Kelly has been outstanding. I am honestly impressed and can say whoever this Kyle Walker lad is, if he isn't pushing for a first-team space at right-back for Tottenham, then he can't be challenging Martin Kelly who is pushing England's best right-back aswell as one of the Prem's best.
