<!-- Article Start -->
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has labelled
Liverpool's expensive acquisition of Portsmouth full-back Glen
Johnson as his bonkers buy of the season so far.
Johnson made 84 league outings for Portsmouth after originally
arriving on loan from Chelsea in 2006, netting four times,
including the spectacular long-range volley at home to Hull City in
2008/09 that was named goal of the season.
His impressive form for the Fratton Park outfit led to England
honours under Fabio Capello before his big-money move to Anfield,
after rejecting the opportunity to re-join Chelsea, who had also
had a bid accepted by Portsmouth.
However, Sky Sports pundit Merson, who made more than 300 league
outings for the Gunners from 1985-97, believes the Merseysiders are
mad to have shelled out such a large fee for a defender.
“The Premier League is not blessed with 15 world-class left
wingers so I don't see how a right-back can affect a game that
much," he said.
"I've got nothing against the player, I think he was outstanding
for Portsmouth last year, but I just don't think you should be
spending that amount of money on somebody who plays at
right-back.”