I don’t think many Liverpool fans would disagree that Glen Johnson wasn’t worth the £17million that the Reds paid for him back in June 2009, and his recent performances this season suggest that as a right back, his defensive qualities leave a lot to be desired. Roy Hodgson was speaking the truth when he questioned the 26 year old’s England credentials but I wholeheartedly agree with the opinion that it is not right for a manager to criticise one of his own players in public . Another foot in mouth moment for Roy, one which he had to clarify after the Stoke defeat last Saturday:

“It amazes me when you make a statement of such obvious veracity that people want to make headlines out of it. Everyone has been saying what I’m saying.”

The obvious veracity of the statement is undoubted. Probably Glen’s worst game of the season was against Blackpool when the Reds lost 2-1 at home to the Seasiders. After allowing Luke Varney to cut inside him in the penalty box, he scythed the player down giving Charlie Adam the opportunity to make it 1-0 from the spot. He was equally at fault for the second goal before half time when he kept Varney onside to slot past Pepe Reina.

Johnson’s defensive failings have been questioned his entire career and at 26 years of age, it seems unlikely that the England international will improve a great deal in this regard in the future. Reds fans have therefore suggested playing Johnson as a right winger and relinquishing the player’s defensive responsibilities. John Aldridge has also suggested such a tactic as just like Gareth Bale, he would be unleashed from the shackles to do what he does best, go forward and attack the opposition full back.

It is something that in my opinion too should be considered, especially with the emergence of Martin Kelly, who is markedly more able defensively than Johnson. It is an option I feel that is unlikely to be employed by Roy Hodgson though. With Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez, Ryan Babel and Raul Meireles all options to be used, I doubt whether Roy will even consider the move forward for Glen.

On top of this, you have to consider the state of mind of Glen Johnson too. After the public criticism from his manager over his performances, he could be justifiably disgruntled about his treatment, and could be seeking a way out. There was talk of the player taking Spanish lessons a couple of months ago even before Roy Hodgson’s comments on the player, and today, it emerged in the Spanish newspaper Sport, that Jose Mourinho is interested in bringing the player to Real Madrid. There have also been reports that a move to Juventus is on the cards with Alberto Aquilani stating he would choose the Reds player to join him in Italy out of his former teammates.

If Roy is still in charge in January, and Glen Johnson is unsettled as reported, interest on Real Madrid or Juventus’s part may suit both parties. If we got a sizeable fee for the player, do you think Glen would be on his way in January?

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