At least Mario Balotelli has one fan in Liverpool this Christmas - Glen Johnson. No longer is the flappable right-back the biggest scape-goat in Anfield having been relieved of that title in recent weeks following the Italian strikers woeful displays in front of goal. For the last number of years, however, Johnson has been accused of some horrendous pieces of defending and had Liverpool won the league title last season, many would have claimed it was an effort very much in spite of the former Portsmouth man. While much of the criticism thrown the way of the £19 million right-back is unwarranted, he has been prone to some very silly errors and a lack of communication with the rest of his back-line over the last 18 months. It seems like forever ago now, but there was a time when he was a West Ham player. Having cut his teeth in the youth teams at Upton Park, Johnson made just 15 appearances for the first-team during the 02/03 season before Chelsea poached the 19 year old for a fee of £6 million. While Carl Jenkinson is a capable right-back, there is no question that Johnson would be a sure-fire starter at Upton Park if he was still at the club. At least then he might be allowed the freedom from his sceptics, critics and naysayers in order to flourish once more, ala Stewart Downing.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
