Liverpool FC latest: Glen Johnson is one of the best right-backs in Europe, says Rafael Benitez

Nov 20 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

GLEN JOHNSON has returned from revolutionary treatment in Belgrade with Rafael Benitez confident the Liverpool defender can prove himself one of the best right-backs in Europe.

Johnson made a flying visit this week to radical therapist Mariana Kovacevic in an attempt to rectify the hamstring injury that caused him to miss England’s friendly against Brazil in Doha last weekend.

The full-back travelled to Belgrade along with team-mate Fabio Aurelio to see Kovacevic, who has become famous for treating sportsmen with the liquid from horse placenta, after the fitness of both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera improved noticeably after visiting the specialist earlier in the week.

And Johnson, also recently troubled by groin and calf problems, is now expected to be available for tomorrow’s crunch Premier League visit of Manchester City.

The 25-year-old has had a promising start to his Anfield career following a £17million summer move from Portsmouth, despite criticism of his defending while on international duty.

But while Benitez admits Johnson can improve, he is convinced the right-back is already among Europe’s finest in his position.

“I am surprised that everybody is still asking about Glen,” said the Liverpool manager. “I think he is a very good player, he is keen to learn so he knows he can improve in defence, but if you analyse the balance between his attack and defence then he is a very good player.

“He is a threat for the other team all the time. He has to improve in defence but if he continues attacking then he will be more difficult for the opponent.

“How do we improve him? The first thing is to understand the game and the problems and then afterwards he will improve. But he is keen to learn so we will see how he progresses in this time.

“He is one of the best in Europe, 100%. When you analyse the strengths and weaknesses in his game he is really good.”