Where could the midfielder go to mark his time?
Who could make the most out of a circumstantial misfit?
Why clubs looking for local quality should splash for Adam Johnson?
Who could?
Who should?
Tottenham Hotspur
The North London outfit have been looking menacing through their short lived Redknapp era and only seem to be getting better as seasons go by. Losing Niko Kranjcar and Modric looking very likely to be wearing another team’s jersey soon, a dip in the market for the silky midfielder could just be what they need. The Daily Mail claimed shortly before the Euros that the then manager, Harry Redknapp, was weighing up a possible move for Johnson. Wider areas at the Lane seem to have been allocated to Bale and Lennon but with the latter’s consistency not always up to par, Johnson seems like a viable option. Villas-Boas might re-ignite the interest should he decide to look for fortification to his midfield locally. If it does happen, Johnson should be happy, as in White he certainly looks likely to play… more!
Arsenal
Even if it’s an unlikely deal, with the attacking midfielder type being something rarely lacking at the Emirates, Johnson would definitely be turned into a deadlier and more complete player under Wenger’s tutelage. The Frenchman has never feared working with players with personality, or attitude, as some might find a more fitting word. With Johnson’s love to take on defenders, storm the flanks and produce an end product, Arsenal look like a match made in heaven for the Englishman. Not to mention, chemistry with other England teammates would only be beneficiary to both, player and club. With Walcott’s future undecided, Van Persie’s mysterious disagreement with the club’s “direction”, Johnson could compliment an attacking orchestra with the likes of Giroud, Podolski and Wilshere.
Everton
David Moyes’ boys have not been looking overly threatening last season. Since the departure of Arteta to Arsenal and Pienaar to Tottenham, Everton have been struggling to cope tactically. Cahill and Baines would more than likely smile at a possible Johnson deal. At 25 years of age and known to embrace technique in application, The Toffees seem like a sanctuary for the midfielder and his football. However, bringing Pienaar back seems to be topping Moyes agenda at the moment, making Johnson less probable but yet something to ponder about for Moyes.
Liverpool
The red revolution have started taking matters seriously. With the appointment of their new enterprising manager, Brendan Rodgers, the Reds look set to bring in reinforcements this summer. With a tradition to value local players, Johnson could just alleviate an ageing squad and cement his place, with Henderson still not convincing to most fans. It’s been reported that Walcott’s addition would leave the Rodgers pleased, add Johnson to that and Anfield might just start to look more like the theatre they once were. Nothing is too far-fetched in the world of football today!
Adam Johnson: A short profile
Adam Johnson had his first taste of Wembley aged only 7 when he played for Peterlee in a seven-a-side tournament.
Roberto Mancini, even if restricting the players appearances was quoted saying in 2010: “He is a young player who wants to do well. He can play on both the left and the right and he can also play behind the main striker. He can continue to grow and I think he can be a very important player for this club.”
The former Middlesbrough man is left-footed, models himself to Lionel Messi, has technique that has proven to unlock defences on many occasions and puts his football to devastating effect when running at defenders.
In March 2010, he rescued a point for Manchester City in a spectacular last-gasp goal against his hometown club, Sunderland, which he refused to go back to after making Manchester City his destination.
Who will make use of his deadly skills wisely? When will Hodgson choose to implement with avant-garde tactics? Will England make the most out of its prodigies? Feel free to have your say!
Written By Danny D’Purb | Feel free to connect on Twitter @DannyDPurb
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The problem with Adam Johnson that you haven’t mentioned is his inconsistency in tracking back and defending. He obviously has talent but he can be frustrating to watch at times when he makes a run and loses the ball and then doesn’t make any attempt to win it back or cover the right flank that he has left exposed. No doubt this is even more frustrating for Mancini to watch.
I’d guess that he will stay at City, and if he wants to make an impact like the other players he should see the competition as a perfect incentive to work harder and prove himself with his performances. If he doesn’t make his mark I think he’ll defo be gone next summer.
Johnson often shows glimpses of brilliance but he can also often disappoint and be ineffective. Messi can be always seen tracking back and pressing even when Barca are 3-0 up, it’s that attitude that makes him probably the best in the world and the first on the team sheet. It’s the current lack of that attitude that makes Adam Johnson simply an impact player with potential.
Adam is a one trick pony…
No pace
wont track back
ok (only ok not great= as a sub..
I would sell for around 18 million–)