Vital Cardiff City reviews the season on a player by player basis. Today it’s the turn of defender Roger Johnson
Roger Johnson
Central defence
Roger Johnson has quite simply been fantastic for Cardiff City this season. After impressing in a bit part role last season, he began the season partnering Glenn Loovens at the back but the Dutchman picked up an injury and was replaced by Purse – it was Johnson`s form which kept Loovens on the sidelines until he displaced Purse.
City suffered a dodgy start to the season and Johnson`s form improved with a more confident goalkeeper behind him but aside from defending stoutly and putting body on the line – Johnson`s leadership qualities shone through. During one truly awful home performance to Charlton Athletic, Johnson`s anguished cry could be hear throughout Ninian Park trying to galvanise the players. I can`t repeat what RJ said, but we desperately needed a leader or someone to boss the game while Purse and McPhail were muted and downcast.
Johnson was also a potent threat in the opposition area, and scored some vital goals from corners although one last minute equaliser against Hull City was a superb 20 yard drive.
Johnson always seemed able to rescue a situation with a desperate slide or throwing himself to block. He also improved in the air getting more distance rather than height on his clearing headers. His discipline was excellent all season with only 2 yellow cards collected, an impressive record for a defender. He also made some surging runs forward and likes the 60 yard diagonal pass from defence although distribution is one area that needs some improvement !
All in all an excellent season for Johnson, forming a formidable defensive unit, contributing 7 goals and collecting the supporter`s player-of-the-year award.
Season rating: 9
To see the ratings of the entire squad, select Squad Review 2007-08 from the club menu tab at the top of the screen.
