Source: Liverpool_Echo
Satisfied Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez happy with Glen Johnson’s defending
Rafael Benitez is happy with Glen Johnson's defending[LNB]THERE is an irony attached to Rafa Benitezs signing of Glen Johnson, if you are willing to believe the chatter in some parts.[LNB]It goes like this. The manager who is more preoccupied with defending and making sure the back of his team is in order actually weakened his rearguard by selling a player who could occupy a number of positions for someone who struggles to do his main job.[LNB]Nothing, of course, could be further from the truth. Yet ever since he played for England in Ukraine on October 10, Johnson has found his positional sense and ability to help Liverpool keep clean sheets called into question.[LNB]Never was that more apparent than after last Sundays alarming 2-1 defeat at home to Arsenal, as Johnson put through his own net to give Arsene Wengers side a route back into the game before having his pocket picked by Arshavin for their winner.[LNB]Every player, at some point in their career, experiences a 45 minute spell when nothing goes right but for there to be suggestions that Johnson has struggled since swapping Portsmouth for Liverpool in the summer would be grossly unfair.[LNB]Fast, skilful and decisive in the tackle, Johnson has made an assured start to life on Merseyside; yes, there has been the odd lapse, but ask Benitez about the man he bought to replace Alvaro Arbeloa and you are left in doubt about the managers views.[LNB]Having shaken off the problem which forced him to miss Wednesdays 2-1 win over Wigan, Johnson will take his place alongside Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio at a ground he knows well.[LNB]An FA Cup winner during his time on the south coast, Johnson is sure to get a good reception at Fratton Park but all Benitez is bothered about is the 25-year-old making a key contribution to another Liverpool win.[LNB]When we looked at Glen, we knew we were signing an attacking full-back, Benitez explained. Everybody knows he is really good going forward but, at the same time, we know he can improve in defence.[LNB]Its too early to talk about how he has done for us so far but we have seen him take good positions on the pitch and he does well in certain situations; sometimes he makes a mistake but generally he is doing very well.[LNB]But he has an attacking mentality and that is good. He is improving and he will keep improving; it is all a question of time but, clearly, we know he is going to be a good player for Liverpool.
