Rightback
0 Goals
0 Appearances (as of the end of 2008-2009)
Signed from Portsmouth in 2009 for 17.5 mil
BACKGROUND BEFORE LFC
Glen Johnson developed a reputation as one of the best young defenders in England during his time at West Ham. Oddly enough, though, Johnson did not play much during that time despite all of the hype. Like many young British players with talent, the media talked about him like he was the Maradona of right backs, almost dooming him to not living up to expectations. Fortunately for Glen, the pressure was taken off of him by securing a move to Chelsea and featuring regularly in his first season with the Blues in 2003-2004. He was Roman Abramovich’s first signing, and he proved to be a good player for them. Under Mourinho, however, chances were harder to come by and despite getting some good playing time in 2004-2005, he rarely featured afterwards and was sent to Portsmouth on loan in 2006-2007. Johnson became an immediate fan favorite at Fratton Park, with his attacking enterprise and ability to add that extra class to a side that was starting to develop into a good little outfit after a few rocky seasons. The move eventually became permanent, and Johnson became an English international, and a regular in the starting XI for the Lions. He won the FA Cup in 2008 and was voted into this season’s PFA team of the year, which is really no surpise.
SIGNING FOR, AND SETTLING INTO, LFC
During the January transfer window, there was quite a bit of talk about Johnson coming to Liverpool for 10 million pounds, but that we couldn’t afford it. After the sale of Robbie Keane at the end of the transfer window, though, funds were all of a sudden available, and Liverpool snapped him up for an increased rate of 17.5 mil in June. How did that happen? Not sure exactly! Either way, we grabbed a player of true quality. And Johnson definitely said the right types of things at his press conference, suggesting that the choice to join Liverpool was a no-brainer. Glen quoted that, “(joining Chelsea) was not that close, really. At the pit of my stomach I knew I wanted to join Liverpool.” GOOD MAN! With Gerrard and Carra, Johnson will be part of a very solid core of English talent, something we’ll need to continue to develop as rules are changed to demand more English players in the squad.
STYLE OF PLAY
Glen Johnson is definitely from the “attacking school of defending.” As they say, the best form of defense is to attack! When Johnson pushes forward, it forces the opposition’s left winger to drop back and defend, therefore limiting their own chances of getting solid attacking play. He is quite capable of whipping in fantastic crosses, and even has an eye for goal. His strike against Hull City at Fratton Park in 2008-2009 was voted as “goal of the season,” and that was with good cause. It was a belter, and it’s not the first superb goal he has scored in his career. His defending and positioning have improved over the years, as well, and under Rafa you know it will get even better.
BEST MOMENTS
Without any appearances for the Reds as of yet, because the season has not started yet, Glen Johnson’s best moments for us are obviously quite limited! Signing for the club was surely a wonderful moment for him, and the supporters are all pleased that we have a player of his quality. He appears to be a well-spoken and confident player, and that’s something that is sure to get people on his side. Welcome, Glen!
TOUGH TIMES
I can only speak of his tough times in the past, which really haven’t been all that rampant. The hardest time for Glen is surely when he wasn’t in the side during the 2005-2006 season… but by joining Portsmouth he solved that problem.
2008-2009 SEASON VERDICT
Glen Johnson had a sublime 2008-2009 season, earning a place in the PFA First XI at right back, and earning the goal of the season with a strike of the utmost quality. His volley from 35 yards that rocketed into the top corner was pure class, and we’ll be hoping for more of that with LFC! With England, Johnson also excelled. He was one of our best players in our World Cup Qualifying campaign, which so far has just been one long string of wins.
LFC CAREER VERDICT
He hasn’t had a career yet, but he’s off to a good start with his press conference. 
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