Phil Neal: Glen Johnson can bring the best out of Fernando Torres at Liverpool FC
LIVERPOOL legend Phil Neal believes Glen Johnson can bring the best out of Fernando Torres after the right-back sealed his record-breaking move to Anfield.
Johnson, 24, became the most expensive defender in Liverpool’s history by completing his £17million move from Portsmouth.
The Greenwich-born player has signed a four-year contract with the Reds and becomes Rafa Benitez’s first major signing of the summer.
Neal reckons the England international’s arrival can bring the best out of ace goalscorer Torres.
He said: “He reminds me of the great attacking right-backs we have had at the club during the time I was there – and before me as well.
“He is a quality addition and he will provide a lot more ammunition for the forwards, that’s for sure.
“Torres will benefit from having Glen in the side more often than not.”
He added: “He gets forward well and crosses a decent ball. I watched him closely during the recent England v Andorra game and was suitably impressed.
"He was bubbling with confidence and is a player that catches the eye.
“He’s probably got as much defensive quality as I had and he is quite capable of doing a very good job for Liverpool.
“I really do think he’s a top quality addition.”Although Johnson’s official price tag of £17million smashes the £7million Liverpool paid for Andrea Dossena – their previous most expensive defender – last summer, a large chunk of the fee will be absorbed into funds Portsmouth still owe the Reds for Peter Crouch when he moved to Fratton Park a year ago.
Johnson’s move will also speed up Alvaro Arbeloa’s exit, with the Spaniard poised to return to former club Real Madrid.
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