Who would have thought that a last minute illness to Glen Johnson would have been such a blessing as Liverpool faced Chelsea at Anfield yesterday. The 20-year-old put in a terrific performance that saw the champions leave a ground goal-less for only the second time this season.
With both Agger and Soto Kyriagos out injured, the option to place Carra at right back would have been too risky. So, in steps England U-21 International Kelly with a performance that saw both Florent Malouda and Ashley Cole struggle to make the sort of impact expected. With Glen Johnson’s defensive frailties, I’m sure Liverpool fans will be delighted that things worked out the way they did.
Kopites must be warned though; it isn’t the first time a player has smashed onto the scene with rave reviews. United’s Brazilian right back Rafael became a cult hero when he turned in some terrific performances in 2008 when just 18. At the foot of that season he was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award losing out to Villa’s Ashley Young; though since the hysteria behind the man seems to have calmed down.
Despite 18 appearances in 2008-09, for one reason or another he has struggled to maintain an absolute starting place at Old Trafford. Regardless of two full seasons in the first team and senior International caps for Brazil; fans still talk about him as an emerging talent. Having said that, his lack of experience was highlighted by many in last season’s Champion’s League fixture against Bayern Munich. Two yellow cards saw United fall to ten men as the Brazilian foolishly blundered into tackles.
Both Kelly and Rafael are two different breeds of full back though. Kelly will support the attack when needed but can defend amicably, Rafael is a real danger when United attack, though his defensive qualities have never really been proven.
I think Kelly is more the type of full back needed at Anfield right now. Johnson will charge forward and often cut in, allowing teams the opportunity to counter. Kelly plays a little more like Konchesky on the opposing side, they both allow themselves to get forward when the team is pressing but both can defend when asked of.
I would compare Johnson moreover to the Rafael type of defender, a wing-back if you will. They both have vast quantities of talent on the ball, both are eager to create chances and score goals and either have enough agility and finesse to pull it off.
Though, it can be hard to compare two players that regardless of position differ in style of play. Freedom to go forward can depend solely on those playing alongside you. Looking at the Chelsea game; as decent as Skrtel and Carragher are, it might be a little too much to expect them to hold the back line alone as wing backs support forward play. Though looking at the Wolves game on Saturday, United’s Vidic and Ferdinand would be expected to be able to keep Van Der Sar safe from too many efforts, allowing more freedom to players like Evra or possibly Rafael to get forward.
So, with both players sit ripening at the young age of 20 and all that taken into account, who would you rather have playing for your club this season?
