I think some of you are putting way too much stock in “assists” or “goal”, and completely ignoring what he does the rest of the time and what skill set he has as an overall package.
When he’s not got some clear space to run in a straight line - he’s virtually contributing nothing of note or quality. Even his work without the ball is sub standard.
If we are going to be an elite (top 4) team in this league we need players not only with more creative and productive quality but also players who contribute decent stuff when they aren’t creating or producing.
Huge waste of 50m IMO.
I was arguing thoroughly with Mick Cooper over Xmas period regarding Johnson. So for the last 2 games I tried to keep an eye on his movement and I have to agree with first part. I also admitted, that he has to be more involved in overall play, but these last 2 games have been like... REALLY poor from him.
It is okay if you don't score, it is okay if you don't assist. But it is NOT okay if you do not make an effort.
I obviously do not know what instructions Ange gave him. But against Brighton and also against Bournemouth - his pressing was not there, his tracking back - as someone painfully accurately mentioned - reminded of Ndombele. I mean... sprint after the opposition. Get close. Tackle. Put in your foot, foul them. Whatever. But don't give opposition free route to our side / our goal.
With all that I am not writing him off and I stand by what I said earlier. But he has to find some kind of aggression and passion inside himself.
It is a team-sport, Sonny on the right and Richie up top can run their lungs out. But if RW is open highway, the press does not work. I've been calling our side out for making it too comfortable for opposition teams before and I have to do it again. He has to make opposition fear HIM instead of being afraid of opposition himself.
So - to sum it up - more burning, more energy, more fight, more work Brennan. You can do better. You can improve!
