Liverpool FC defender hits back at critics

England international Glen Johnson has hit back at his critics who claim the right-back cannot defend.

Johnson is better known for getting forward and supporting his team in attack, not to mention a few special goals throughout his career. However, the Liverpool FC defender insists that the notion his attacking attributes come at a price of lacking key defensive qualities is simply untrue.

The right-back believes that his performances for club and country prove that he is effective in both attack and defence.

“It’s annoying but now I just find it funny when people say I can’t defend because I’ve proved over the years I can,” said Johnson.

“I think it just gives people a talking point. They’ve got to be critical about everybody. That’s just a way of life nowadays.

“If I couldn’t defend I wouldn’t be playing for Liverpool and I wouldn’t be playing for England.

“I just ignore it when people say that. It’s just opinions and the only opinions that matter to me are the club manager and the national manager.”

The England defender was taken off during Liverpool’s 1-0 Europa League victory over Anzhi in midweek following a muscle spasm, and missed out on yesterday’s Merseyside derby, however it is believed the defender’s injury is only short-term.

Jose Enrique returned against Everton in his first Premier League start for over a month to fill in for the 28-year old, who has been playing at left-back for the most part of the season. Despite it not being his natural position, Johnson insists he is happy to play on either side of the Liverpool defence.

“I’ve been playing on the left all season for Liverpool. But I don’t mind either. I’m happy at left or right-back,” he added.

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