Doesn't matter how well he plays, he gives the ball away and wastes possession far too easily in every game. You're not ****ing Messi. Stop trying to dribble past 3 players every 5minutes. Needs to go and be replaced next summer; unfortunately he's still the best we have because he does give width and stretch the play. When he plays smart, he plays well.
As with most opinions posted I watch GJ sometimes and think he could be a top class player. He's good but should be so much better. The chances he wastes every game are numerous yet in fairness he does make a fair few of those chances for himself. Some games he looks like he can rip a full back all day (partly because he does have the ability to go either side) yet other days he just keeps running into blind alleys or worse the back of opposition players. He is better than anything we've got and I agree that I never have an issue when I see his name on the teamsheet....but neither do I get particularly excited. Defensively he's solid and that is his main job so I'm certainly not being too critical of him I just think with a better final ball and shot he would be a massive member of the squad. I totally reject the notion he's lazy, he certainly isn't. The lad's up and down a lot and work rate isn't his problem it's his concentration and focus that lets him down on occasions (mainly going forward). When he's on a top form I do rate him highly, but that seems to be getting rarer and rarer. Maybe that's just the role BR is asking him to play but I can't help feeling he should be suited to the way Rodgers style. Maybe he just needs a new challenge and we look to either one of our younger players (none of whom have fully taken their opportunity in that position yet) or we look to buy.
I like Johnson but I feel he needs stiff competition to keep him on his toes. I thought Kelly was going to be it but it seems he can't stay fit. Another question, over the past two years..... does anyone think Johnson has gotten much better or pretty much leveled out?
I agree with Billy. I wouldn't call him lazy - he's incredibly athletic, especially as he has to run up and down the wings. My beef with him is his game intelligence and concentration levels. It's the same with Enrique. On the whole, they are good, solid players - but they are prone to mistakes. Leaving a man, incorrect positioning etc. If we really want to push onto new levels, then we have to cut out these mistakes or find more consistent performers. It's what separates decent players from top class, title winning players.
Toure and Sakho came in - Skrtel looks better and Agger looks hungrier. Sturridge came in and Suarez is now more clinical. As you say, competition is critical. The players that have no competition are Lucas, Gerrard and the fullbacks - and they are amongst our worst performers in this new look team.
Yes they are. slight change of topic but will be real quick...... why are Illori, Sterling, Ibe and Alberto not on loan?
Sterling and Alberto are at least getting some game time, the others no idea, was hoping they would be, maybe we couldn't find the right club to take them.
7 mil for illori and he is just chillin. Without the cups or Europa, he doesn't get games he needs. Really need to sort it in January. Anyway, for me, I feel Johnson has stagnated..... does any think his attacking play has improved dramatically? Defensive play? He is getting to that age where he is starting to hit his peak too.
I don't think he's improved much in the last 18 months if I'm honest. In fact he's levelled out at best. Again in his defence though (no pun etc) like all the other players he's had to adjust to different styles and formations and his defending rarely lets him down still so not slating him by any means. As usual replacing a player is easier said than done, there are far worse players out there than GJ but I don't doubt it is a position we need to improve. Whether or not Johnson brings about that improvement or we look elsewhere time will tell.
i reckon the club will look to get rid personally, look at him compared to Arbeloa, reckon the club will know they can get value for money in that position, just a shame we already ruddy sold it Rafa!!
Strong rumours that Sterling and Ibe will go out on loan in January. Squad is thin so we still need Alberto IMO - and Ilori definitely needs a loan. I think we will sell Skrtel in January which could give Ilori more chance?
