Glen Johnson's verdict on title race and Trent potential
Glen Johnson is hopeful the current Liverpool crop can take the final step that eluded the Premier League title-chasing team he was part of in 2013-14.
The Reds finished runners-up to Manchester City that season after Brendan Rodgers’ attack-minded side went on an 11-game winning streak to storm into contention for English football’s top prize.
This term, Jürgen Klopp’s group have shown the level of consistency to be in the mix from the very beginning and lead the way as it stands, two points clear of City having played one match more.
Johnson, who represented Liverpool FC Legends in a 3-2 win over Milan Glorie at Anfield last weekend, is wary of drawing comparisons between the two campaigns.
But the former defender does believe this Reds squad can emerge from the twists and turns he expects in the coming weeks to secure the silverware they crave.
“We were good enough to win that league as well that season but unfortunately we fell a step short. Hopefully these guys can dig in and take that one step further,” he said.
“I think both teams will drop points. City have got the squad to cope with a heavy schedule but I think Liverpool need to just focus on themselves the way they have been and fingers crossed City will drop more points than them.
“It’s much easier to watch when they’re playing well and winning most weeks. It’s been enjoyable and fingers crossed they can get over the line.”
Five years on from that title tilt, the ex-England international has been succeeded in the role as first-choice right-back by Academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Still just 20, the Scouser has clocked up 74 Liverpool games, played in a Champions League final and been to a World Cup – but Johnson predicts much more to come.
“He’s got bundles of potential to improve,” he said. “He’s only 20 years old so he’s far from the finished article and what he can become from the position he’s in now is exciting.
“[The full-backs] are two key players for the way they play at the moment so fingers crossed they stay fit and healthy and keep performing the way they are.”