I think he looks better going forward - sometime gets caught out of position defensively (though to be fair not as much as he used to)
I can see him leaving. Rumours that he won't be renewing his contract because he wants to play in Spain, nor can I see the board offering even more wages than what he's currently on. On his day, can be such an asset going forward. Whilst he has improved defensively, his positioning, concentration levels and game intelligence are not the best. He's also injury prone. No doubt he's currently our best option at RB but that doesn't mean he's the only answer. New fullbacks are needed on both flanks IMO. Personally, for the money we spend on Johnson and for the return we get, I don't think it's great value. Gez often refers to the mentality in some of our players which has crept in during our 'dark days' (i.e. from last year of Rafa's reign). I believe Johnson is one of those. Not saying Johnson is a bad player or that we should drop him - just saying it's an area that we need to improve up on. I'll enjoy it while he's still here but I do hope we get a replacement.
I guess so, but it's also that I rate him as well. Just the inconsistency and 'what Johnson will turn up' is a shame.
Another play that you don't notice how important he is until he's gone. Lucas is the other and I'm beggining to think Enrique is as well, especially when Cissokho is second choice.
Yeah, Lucas is facing criticism at the moment, albeit he isn't playing great. But if he left it would be a great big gaping whole. Mispelt hole on purpose for RHC.
Johnson has improved this season compared to last, he has imo been one of our best players this season but I think he will be gone soon unless he is willing to take a pay cut. McLaughlin should slot into that right back position nicely anyway so no big deal.
I would have to disagree - I think Johnson has been awful going forward. Constantly losing the ball, struggling to beat his man. The game against Fulham was his best this season.
Yeah his attacking has not been great, I was referring to his defending because I think a right backs first job is to defend and anything else he can do is a bonus.
His attacking is what frustrated me. To the point that I didn't notice his defending. Very rarely do we concede goals as a direct link to Johnson. His marking/defending on st pieces is questionable though, like any full back.
I don't think Johnson has ever been able to find a balance between attacking and defending, hes not brilliant at either and I think that's the reason opinions tend to vary so much on him. One fan will say he is a great player and the next will tell you he is poor.
It's probably irrelevant as it's a sunk cost, but should we be expecting better from a player who cost £18m and on over £100k a week?
He's got to fix his bloody shooting. He's honestly awful. He cuts in and shoots every time. My main problem with Johnson is that he seems to operate half a second late. He will beat his man, cut in, and always shoot too late or pass too late. His shot either gets blocked or over the bar. Sort it out. He wastes a thousand chances per season by doing this. Other than that he deserves to play and is our best RB.
Thats why I think he will be gone, FSG have got rid of all the players who are they think are not earning their wages and im sure they are thinking they can do better for that type of money.
Not unsung by ME. Should have been made vice-captain in the summer. Tore Richardson a new one in the first half on Saturday too.
Look there are 3 factors in my opinion. 1. will LFC be in the CL? 2. Are there any takers for a 30 year old? 3. His wages are very high for a full back of a non cl team frankly. so all in all if we've a buyer and finish even 5th i can see us culling him just like pepe.
