Wednesday, 26th March, 2014
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Glen Johnson is "one of the best full-backs in the world."
The 29-year-old, who put in an acclaimed performance in the Reds’ 6-3 win over Cardiff City at the weekend, has been pegged back by injuries this season.
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However, Johnson has been in great form since returning to Liverpool’s starting line-up against Swansea City last month after being sidelined with an injury.
The England international has provided solidity to the Merseyside club’s defence in addition to linking well with the attacks.
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And Rodgers, who feels Johnson is now fully fresh, believes that the spell on the sidelines has hugely benefited the defender.
"It's been really difficult for Glen because he has wanted to give so much more", the manager explained to his club’s official site.
"He has wanted to put himself out on the training pitch every day and play games but he was nowhere near 100 per cent right. Of course when you put yourself out there you are getting judged.
"That is why we had to give him that time out. There was no timeline on it. I just knew there was so much more to come from him.
"We needed to come together to find a way to get him back to his best. That meant taking him out in order for him to get back to that level.
"Now he's feeling fresh and playing for the first time in ages without any injuries. Now you see that mobility and running power that he has.
"It's important for me with how we play that the full-backs can get up, join in and make runs in behind. We are seeing now the player we all know Liverpool had – which is one of the best full-backs in the world."
Johnson, whose contract with Liverpool expires in 2015, has amassed 164 appearances in all competitions for the club, netting eight times.
The defender also has 50 caps and a solitary goal for England to his name.
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