Glen Johnson

[Ombudsam]

I'm in the camp that want him in the team and Kelly left on the bench for now. I think he keeps the ball really well and has a lot of craft for a full back but does anyone think he's lost some of his dynamism from when he first arrived?

[aka Dus]

He might have a little bit more heft now. I am happy with him in there.

[muleskinner]

He is great form. Kelly will keep him honest which is a great luxury for Kenny to have.

[Dan]

He's brilliant

[Leo No.8]

Lost a touch of pace and dynamism think - almost certainly down to the quite serious muscular injuries he has suffered several times in recent years.

 

Still quality though - I think he's made up for a loss of physical prowess by showing a bit more nouse and reading the game better, perhaps down to Clarke's influence as it seems to be a recurring theme defenders getting better since he came (see Skrtel). He looks a better defender now, and still good going forward if not as dazzling.

 

Early in his career here he could just race past a defender from a standing start, not sure he can do that now but its not everything. All round he is maybe better.

Edited December 31, 2011 by Leo No.8

[Ste M]

I am a huge fan of Martin Kelly, huge. Can't fault Johnson at the minute though.

[Swipe]

He's a big unit. Dwarves most opposing fullbacks. But as Taylor discovered a few times last night, he's still pretty quick.

[muleskinner]

Lost a touch of pace and dynamism think - almost certainly down to the quite serious muscular injuries he has suffered several times in recent years.

 

Still quality though - I think he's made up for a loss of physical prowess by showing a bit more nouse and reading the game better, perhaps down to Clarke's influence as it seems to be a recurring theme defenders getting better since he came (see Skrtel). He looks a better defender now, and still good going forward if not as dazzling.

 

Early in his career here he could just race past a defender from a standing start, not sure he can do that now but its not everything. All round he is maybe better.

I don't think he has lost anything going forward, he is up joining in with the attack and available all game usually.

[Ombudsam]

I don't think he has lost anything going forward, he is up joining in with the attack and available all game usually.

 

I just remember this game against Brum at Anfield when he first joined when he was absolutely electric. We drew 2-2 but he was other worldly going forward. I think dus may be right and he's picked up heft

[Epic Swindle]

He's one of the most improved players for me, but still has that tendency to lose a bit of focus and belief in himself. Seems to follow a really good game with a few below par ones.

Edited December 31, 2011 by Epic Swindle

[Widnesian]

Thought he looked a bit s*** against Newcastle, would give Kelly another go if it were up to me.

[Mike]

Bizarre. Our fullbacks annihilated their Geordie counterparts.

[Cooldude]

Been class the past one or two months

 

Fits perfect in the way Kenny wants to play

[yellow jumper]

agree that it wasn't his best game last night. didn't use the ball as well as usual. and got caught up field on a couple of occasions. has to take his part of blame for their goal also. but, as always the more of the ball we have, and the better we use it, the bigger the asset he'll be. a player who could suffer for the loss of lucas.

[Nerik]

He is doing very well. Thought Kelly had taken his place for good, but he is back in the first XI on merit.

[muleskinner]

We have the best defence in the league, if they weren't all playing well we wouldn't have.

[Beardsley]

Been very good, but should work on his passing a bit. Put a few potentially easy passes wrong last night.

[FirstDescent]

Think hes become a more intelligent footballer as well lately, had a couple of shooting chances late on in the game yesterday at 3-1 (a dangerous lead!) and he was clever to put them out to throwins instead of grabbing the headlines. Might have a career in management.

[JonShar]

This has comfortably been Johnson's best 6 months for us. Comfortably.

 

My only issue with him is an hour after a loss he'll post on Twitter about an ace tv show he's watching and how much he loves it. f*** off and be depressed like the rest of us!

[The Hitman]

Think hes become a more intelligent footballer as well lately, had a couple of shooting chances late on in the game yesterday at 3-1 (a dangerous lead!) and he was clever to put them out to throwins instead of grabbing the headlines. Might have a career in management.

You what?

[Dominus Maximus]

Lost a touch of pace and dynamism think - almost certainly down to the quite serious muscular injuries he has suffered several times in recent years.

 

Still quality though - I think he's made up for a loss of physical prowess by showing a bit more nouse and reading the game better, perhaps down to Clarke's influence as it seems to be a recurring theme defenders getting better since he came (see Skrtel). He looks a better defender now, and still good going forward if not as dazzling.

 

Early in his career here he could just race past a defender from a standing start, not sure he can do that now but its not everything. All round he is maybe better.

 

Have to say this. Skrtel is playing well because Agger is alongside him. If Carra was in there the whole team would step back 20 yards and hoof the ball. Resulting in a lot of runs against the defence in where Skrtel not only has to do his own job but also some of Jamies. No doubt Clarke has helped but when Agger and Skrtel play we push up and then the midfield is better able to help out the defence while the defence is able to concentrate solely on forwards. It's pretty simple. I love Jamie but he is slowing us down. See the last couple of months in where Jamie didn't play. Skrtel suddenly becomes boss.

 

Also when Jamie plays Martin plays to the left and is forced to use his left foot which is horrendous. Now with Agger to the left Skrtel can use his right foot which actually isn't that bad.

Edited December 31, 2011 by Jallow

[Maldini]

He's been fantastic since Kenny came in, really justifying his fee now. I don't think he's lost any of his dynamism either, he's just become better at judging when to get forward.

[Earl Hafler]

He is doing very well. Thought Kelly had taken his place for good, but he is back in the first XI on merit.

 

Not sure about that - Kelly had done nothing wrong and was playing very well.

 

Be nice to have them both in the side.

[abc]

Not sure about that - Kelly had done nothing wrong and was playing very well.

 

Be nice to have them both in the side.

 

Agree that Kelly gave very good account of himself when Jonno was out. And for the record I am a big fan.

 

But Johnson is the superior footballer. What he offers in attack significantly outweighs any shortcomings in his defending. And his defending has been of acceptable standard lately.

 

I suspect many get excited about Kelly because he can defend, and is decent in attack. And he's local, young, and has heaps of potential.

 

But again, Johnson is the superior footballer. And as long as he's putting in acceptable defensive performances, his ability to produce a match-winning piece of play is ultimately what's getting him in the side.

 

If there are any doubts, let me bring up two scenarios. Johnson's winner at Stamford Bridge. And his screamer for Portsmouth the season before he joined us. Does Kelly have that in him?

[Ombudsam]

Think hes become a more intelligent footballer as well lately, had a couple of shooting chances late on in the game yesterday at 3-1 (a dangerous lead!) and he was clever to put them out to throwins instead of grabbing the headlines. Might have a career in management.