Adam Johnson - Right or Left Winger?

[Blue Since 76]

If we're playing only Tevez up front, it makes more sense for AJ to play on the right. There's no point putting crosses into the box, we need the diagonal balls slipped through. If we've got Dzeko on, I doubt he wants balls into the channels, so on the left would make sense. Swapping from one wing to the other would probably work too, giving the defence something to think about.

However, I agree with a previous comment that AJ is still an impact player. When he comes on, he changes games, resulting in fans demanding he plays. When he starts, he generally fades pretty quickly and then there's no one on the bench to change things. Maybe we should have bought another winger at some point...

[avoidconfusion]

Carl, when I move to the UK... you and I have to hang out.

[carl_feedthegoat]

Carl, when I move to the UK... you and I have to hang out.

Not going back till they fix it and then I'm going to round up a posse and go on tour.

You will be welcome to join my gang when that time comes.

[freshie]

If we're playing only Tevez up front, it makes more sense for AJ to play on the right. There's no point putting crosses into the box, we need the diagonal balls slipped through. If we've got Dzeko on, I doubt he wants balls into the channels, so on the left would make sense. Swapping from one wing to the other would probably work too, giving the defence something to think about.

However, I agree with a previous comment that AJ is still an impact player. When he comes on, he changes games, resulting in fans demanding he plays. When he starts, he generally fades pretty quickly and then there's no one on the bench to change things. Maybe we should have bought another winger at some point...

^^^^^^^^
THIS

[bluej]

he needs to learn how and when to cross the ball first

Is the right answer. He's great at turning inside his players and linking play, but his delivery is atrocious, particularly in terms of hitting the 6 yard box.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

People moan about the lack of delivery but the lack of players in the box is a bigger problem.
The amount of times one of our player has the ball in a crossing position and we only have one player in the box, usually Tevez, against 5 or so defenders makes it nearly impossible to pick him out. Look at United, they get the ball wide and flood the box. There is no point crossing it when only one player makes the effort to get into the box.

[avoidconfusion]

Carl, when I move to the UK... you and I have to hang out.

Not going back till they fix it and then I'm going to round up a posse and go on tour.

You will be welcome to join my gang when that time comes.

Ah shit didn't see that you're not in the UK at the moment.

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I actually think he is a right winger and I think that's what he prefers himself. BUT there is no doubt during games he should have a spell or two on the left to see how it works out.

[mr_nool]

I actually think he is a right winger and I think that's what he prefers himself. BUT there is no doubt during games he should have a spell or two on the left to see how it works out.

I agree, but I wan't him to train hitting crosses with his right foot over the summer. It ain't that hard.
being less predictable, and not always cutting in, would make him so much harder to defend against.

[Ted Hughes]

He should be adept at playing both sides, he gets paid a lot of money for it.

Did anyone see Giggs' ball to Chikerwanko last night ? How many times have we seen him find a man from that position ? What about on the other side ? No difference either side. See Johnson in that position v scousers ? Nothing.

If Chicerwanko played for us, he wouldn't be waiting to score from that position because the ball never comes, he would be trying to guess where one our dumb arsed, blind, useless shower of shite are going to miskick it to.

[Michael Brookes]

Both...

In a 442 he should play left
in a 433 he SHOULD play right

It's just a shame we don't have anyone who can mirror him whichever side he's on.

[1950]

Where were you lot when he scored against Sunderland from the RIGHT? How many times has he played on the left? How did he perform? Serious questions.

His delivery is a bit shit, so pumping balls into the box may not be his best use, left or right. I wish Mancini would stick him on the left for the rest of the season just to prove to half this fucktarded board that, currently, he's played to his strengths on the right.

Criticizing Mancini is anything but unwarranted, but this archaic "PLAY HIM IN HIS NATURAL POSITION!" bollocks is getting beyond annoying.

[halnone]

He seems more dangerous on the right, but he would probably put better crosses in if he was on the left, which would make our strikers more dangerous. I would like to see him on the left with Dzeko in the team just see see how everything fits together. Is Johnson really all that good on the left?

[Rag_hater]

I actually think he is a right winger and I think that's what he prefers himself. BUT there is no doubt during games he should have a spell or two on the left to see how it works out.

I agree, but I wan't him to train hitting crosses with his right foot over the summer. It ain't that hard.
being less predictable, and not always cutting in, would make him so much harder to defend against.

The few times I saw him play for Borer he was on the right.
The infamous 8-1 he was both sides I think.
Like SWP I don't think crossing is his strong point .
Although he is a left footer playing on the right is what is natural for him.So the calls to play him where him on the left are asking him to do something that is alien to him and IMO would get less out of him.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

Get to the line. Cross the ball. Simple
Left side please.

[aaron bond]

He's capable of playing on both sides. As his crossing isn't great, yet his ability to take on players is good, it makes sense to play him on the right. However, there are many occasions where he goes missing in games so that's why I think it's important to swap him on the wings a couple of times during a match. This way, the opposition don't automatically know what to expect and it could keep him involved in the game more.

[freshie]

Criticizing Mancini is anything but unwarranted, but this archaic "PLAY HIM IN HIS NATURAL POSITION!" bollocks is getting beyond annoying.

So against Liverpool, when 3-0 down, Tevez off and Dzeko up front and with us having only 2 shots on target Mancini was right to continue with the tactics that had failed miserably for most of the game? Dzeko is a player who needs service, Johnson didn't put a single ball in the box playing on the right hand side and Liverpool had an 18 year old right back making his debut - would it have been unreasonable for Mancini to have thought 'Fuck it, the current tactics are clearly not working, I'll try putting Johnson on the left and ask him to put more crosses into the box'? Or was he right to bury his head in the sand, cross his fingers, say a little prayer and hope by miracle of miracles we would score 4 goals?

Time and time again he has displayed tactical incompetence and the inability to change a game in which we are behind. Switching Johnson to the left for at least 20 minutes would have shown us that at least he is willing to try and change a game

All hail Mancini the messiah