Who Will Step in for Glen?

Glen Johnson’s ankle injury, picked up in last Sunday’s tempestuous clash with Manchester United, could keep him out of action for at least two months, according to various media outlets. The marauding full-back is a key piece in Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool tactical jigsaw, and subsequently his absence will be felt.

The fact that Liverpool have a relatively kind fixture list during Johnson’s predicted lay-off time could be deceivingly harmful; the right-back adds a diverse attacking dimension on the wing for the reds, which often proves crucial in breaking down weaker teams who are satisfied to sit in a compact shape behind the ball and escape the clutches of Brendan Rodgers’ side with a point.

So who will replace the 29-year-old?

First of all, I want to look at the attributes Brendan Rodgers likes his full-backs to possess. Athleticism is the cornerstone: the player must be able to interchange quickly between defending and attacking. Secondly, being comfortable with the ball and in the offensive third is requisite; Rodgers’ full-backs are responsible for providing attacking width, akin to a conventional winger. If possession is lost, they can rely on their pace to regain their defensive position, while a central midfielder or defender covers the vacated space. In my opinion, due to the fluid nature and controlling philosophy Liverpool adhere to, the importance of a Brendan Rodgers’ right-back owning attacking qualities outweighs the need for him to be particularly strong defensively.

Based on that reasoning, for me, Jordan Henderson is the man to deputise for Johnson. Before you sneer and generically disagree, think of the qualities Henderson holds, and how they reflect those required to be a modern-day full-back. His fitness is impressive, as is his industry, and he is suitably adept both offensively and defensively – being a midfielder primarily. As I mentioned earlier, Liverpool will face comparatively weaker opposition during Glen Johnson’s absence, and subsequently the onus will be on the reds – in particular their full-backs – to attack and overcome determined defences: this is what makes Henderson the prime candidate for me. Shifting the tireless, former England-Under-21 captain to right-back would also accommodate the returning Luis Suarez, and new arrival - Victor Moses - further forward. The Nigerian international will add more explosiveness to an already-vibrant Liverpool attack and is sure to excite fans with his direct, pacey running.

It all adds up. The only doubt I have with moving Henderson to right-back, is whether a change of position for him is wise after a flourishing start to the season in a midfield role.

Other options at full-back, perhaps with more insurance, for Brendan Rodgers include Martin Kelly and Andre Wisdom. Both have played right-back a number of times for Liverpool, and have performed reliably and solidly. But due to their upcoming fixtures, as I have tried to explain, solid is not what the reds require: a genuine attacking threat from the full-back on either side of the pitch is vital during this period.

Aside from a change of personnel in Glen Johnson’s absence, Brendan Rodgers could deploy a different system: 3-5-2. This would allow the Northern Irishman to utilise his newfound abundance of central defenders, after the transfer deadline day arrivals of Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori, and the return to fitness of Martin Skrtel. Applying this system, would also lessen the weight of defensive responsibilities placed on the right-wing-back’s shoulders. Therefore, this loosening of the attacking leash means an alteration in formation would further suit Henderson, should he replace Johnson.

But whether it be as a right-back as part of a back four, or a right-wing-back in-front of a central defensive trio, I firmly believe Jordan Henderson would prove an able deputy for Glen Johnson.