Liverpools Left Back Conundrum buy Coentrao or stick with John

  • click to rate

    The question being asked now is, can Glen Johnson fix the problematic left back position at Liverpool? For as far as my memory can serve me, Liverpool have not had the kind of left back in the mole of Ashley Cole or Patrice Evra, whom we can actually say is among the best in the list of top left backs in the Premier League, let alone Europe.From the moment Rafa Benitez took over the reigns back in 2004, there was John Arne Ri se whom had one hell of a shot but lacked adequate defensive qualities. Moving on, there was the ill-fated purchase of Andrea Do sena whom left many scratching their heads as to why we even bought him, for a then record fee for a defender. Add to that the free transfer of Fabio Aurelio whom seemed to be the most consistent one, if only he could stay injury free.With Roy Hodgson, there came Paul Konchesky, a player who was definitely a big fish in a small pond back at Fulham and find to his detriment that he just cannot make the cut at Liverpool. And now, after the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as an interim manager, he does the unthinkable and push Englands best right back into the left back position.Whats even more amazing is that Johnsons form has suddenly picked up after playing in that unfamiliar role. Its not a coincidence that prior to the Wigan match, Liverpool had four clean sheets in four consecutive matches. Pushing Johnson to the left to accommodate Martin Kelly has actually strengthened the rear guard due to Kellys obviously superior defending Duke Riley Jersey abilities as well as Johnsons sudden inclination to start defending properly.Glen Johnsons upturn in form has coincided with his switch to the left of Liverpools defence. There are some who may argue that Johnsons true position still lies at right back and that Liverpool should buy a quality left back during summer so that Dalglish can fully utilise Johnsons strength at right back. However, doing so will mean that Martin Kelly would have to make way and that itself would be a serious case of injustice.Kelly has been nothing short of a revelation this season, especially under Dalglish. Making his first team debut last season under Benitez against Lyon, he was actually named Man of the Match even though he went of injured after about 70mins. Kelly impre sed during the times he played under Hodgson but it was with Dalglish that he was given a run of games and he has never looked back since.Martin Kelly has been a revelation at right back and he is still only 20Eventhough his natural position is in the centre of defence, Kelly looked just as comfortable on the right, even playing as a wing back in the win against Chelsea. In that particular match, he noteingly kept Ashley Cole, Englands best left back for quite some time, on the backfoot and not giving the latter much of a chance in going forward for his usual attacking play.What Liverpool need right now is some stability in defense and Kelly can offer that on the right. If Johnson has been a constant source of frustration on the right when it comes to defending, but suddenly looked like he can defend when switched to the left, I dont see the reason why people should start calling for him to go back to his true position. I say, dont bother mending what isnt broken and keep those two players where theyre playing right now.Of course, for those whom still doubt this tried and tested tactic, we can always look to the market for a quality left back. There were rumours flying around that Liverpool are interested in Fabio Coentrao, a 23 years old Portugese left back who currently plays for Benfica.Fabio Coentrao young, promising, but worth the price?Make no mistake about it, I do think Coentrao will make a valuable addition to the squad. Besides, on a lighter note, he can provide some company for Meireles, his fellow international teammate. However, bringing Coentrao will just lead to another problem, do we push Johnson to right back and drop Kelly or keep Kelly there and relegate Johnson to the bench?I just think that the last time Liverpool need right now is more problems. Coentrao wont come cheap and I have a feeling hell cost above 20 million pounds, which is just too much for a defender, even one with an attacking instinct. Liverpool have other positions that require focus first, such as another midfielder, at least a quality winger and perhaps another striker. Thus, lets go fix what is needed first before we go me sing around with the parts that are working just fine. Jordan Adams Jersey