Alistair Johnston

Do we need another RB too..

Looks a shadow of himself.

 

I'd give him until the Summer, but it's worrying signs.

Better than Taylor/Ralston but not by much, I get that it's a different system but Johnston is quick, no reason he can't play the overlapping role.

 

Other than a few games end of last season he's never really overlapped. Not saying he's not quick, just has never really done it, and can't see it now.

Confidence looks to have dipped.

 

He was definitely very quick over a distance..

Hasn't really looked the same player since kicking that hun..

Been poor as * on the ball more than anything this season. Tonight there was so many aimless punts instead of trying to play out of trouble..

 

2 assists and 1 goal in 35 games for us. Miserable return.

Between him and Taylor there's 5 goals and 8 assists in a combined 98 games over the last season and a half.

 

He's not terrible and not a priority (we have bigger problems for sure); but he's just so meh and I hope we are looking for better.

 

Pretty much never is the answer.

Ralston got forward more and put in more crosses at the weekend than Johnston has all season. Similar for Taylor last season, but not this one. Rodgers style of play has dulled our attacking threat far too much.

 

I prefer Ralston domestically, if I'm honest. Which even feels wild to say but he atleast gets balls in.

 

I agree. He makes more happen going forward. Hits the by line and cuts the ball back quite well.

 

Also pretty good at that long straight pass up the line which AJ does well.

 

I feel like any of our fullbacks don’t overlap the guy infront of them, ever. They lurk nearby until the game pins the opposition up the pitch, the wingers move in and then they move up.

It’s been frustrating the life out of. O’Riley when he picks it up wide on the right gets AJ running in behind a lot though, but it’s never urgent, its always careful careful rather than bombing the * up the pitch overlapping, pulling their defenders in alsorts of awkward positions. We carefully make a gap, slowly, then try and play a killer very pinpoint safe pass.

Except Palma, he just passes to players I wasn’t even aware were making a run and somehow does it ridiculously regardless of who’s infront of him trying to stop the pass. We’ve got more players that have a killer final ball, but we seem reluctant to do anything that might not work, and you need to make that risky pass to not be predictable

 

AJ getting a game where he’s been dropped might help him massively, he’s playing like a guy who knows he’s getting a game everyweek regardless of deserving it or no.

That Motherwell game, if we put chances away Ralston has two assists and AJ needs to up his game. Chances weren’t put away, Ralston gets the playing guys like that in 2023 is ridiculous, that seems to be the phrase to say since Mikey Johnston got off the bench this season. Scales will be the next one that gets it, if Turnbulls no there to attract it. We’re kinda dicks

 

You’re right. They are, generally, far too static.

 

Ralston is destined for management IMO. He's a really clever player who can spot passes and time runs. Unfortunately, he is also slower and weaker than Johnston and has a touch like Amido Balde.

 

With the notable and obvious exception of MoR, every first team starter has regressed since Ange left.

Im not saying this is Rodgers' fault, but AJ is no different than any of others. It's gonna take time for him to get up to speed, and into the groove of what Rodgers wants from him.

I hope.

But ppl asking the question of a new rb is mental. AJ is more than good enough domestically and in Europe to let us focus funds were they're DESPERATELY needed. Ie. Left back

 

I’m not overly concerned about Johnston. Had a bad injury over the summer and surgery to sort it. He’s still been a fairly consistent performer despite that and I believe he’ll get back to his best.