Praise comes rolling in for Johnson

Former Liverpool defender Phil Neal believes Rafa Benitez has made a fantastic choice with his first transfer of the summer ‘“ England international right-back Glen Johnson.

The 24-year-old signed a four year contract at Anfield this week, completing a £17.5million move from Portsmouth.

And Neal says there’s a lot of reasons to be excited about the prospects of what Johnson will do on Liverpool’s right side next season.

“He reminds me of the great attacking right-backs we have had at the club during the time I was there – and before me as well,” Neal told the club’s official web site.

“He is a quality addition and he will provide a lot more ammunition for the forwards, that’s for sure.

“He gets forward well and crosses a decent ball. I watched him closely during the recent England v Andorra game and was suitably impressed. He was bubbling with confidence and is a player that catches the eye.”

Meanwhile another Liverpool old boy, Rob Jones, who’s career was cut short by injury, has also welcomed Johnson to the club.

“I think Johnson is an excellent player. We’re getting a good defender and someone who loves to go forward too, which is something I think Liverpool have perhaps been missing.

“He’s got virtually everything to his game and I think that’s why the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea were fighting over him.

“Johnson is strong in most areas; he’s good at going forward, has good pace, is strong and his defending has really come in the last couple of years.

“He’s the all-round right-back and will strengthen the team. It’s obvious Rafa rates him very highly.”