With the exception of the lack of concentration to allow Arshavin score, coupled with the unluckiness that saw him put the ball into his own net on Sunday, I think he still is a decent defender.
Rafa has already admitted that going forward he is strong and it is his defending that needs improvement. Glen has rightfully acknowledged that and during his performances at rightback, I'm beginning to see some of his defensive work go to fruition.
Now I'm not saying that he's the best in defence or what not, I'm just saying that he's improving on his defensive aspect of his game. I think he does know better how to balance between going forward and coming back to defend, because most of the time I do see him back at his spot, not getting carried away by attacking. I've also seen Glen going into the penalty box and clearing whatever crosses that come in, and for me he looks more defensively sound as compared to the past.
I understand why you want him to play in Kuyt's position, considering Kuyt has been sh*te this season. However, who would take up his spot at rightback? Degen? Carragher? Kelly? Darby?
This topic is a very debatable topic because it depends on how you look at the system of the squad. For example, if you see Kuyt getting dropped and Gerrard moving to RM, then Johnson has to stay at RB. For me personally, we bought Johnson to play at RB so I'll rather keep him there. I don't want to push him up to RM, and then be relying either on Degen/Kelly/Darby throughout the whole season.
I think the reason why Rafa does not really want to play Johnson on the right is because of the lack of decent cover at the back. Yes, we've got Carra, but I rather see him in the centre of defence. Degen is just a liability at the back, he's clumsy, I wouldn't be relying on him week in week out. As for Kelly and Darby, they're still youngsters and still got a lot way to go in becoming first-teamers, so for the moment, I'll rather see them either on the bench and playing just a minor role in the squad.
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