World Cup Qualifier: Wales Faces Liechtenstein Amid Brennan Johnson's Struggles
World Cup Qualifier: Liechtenstein vs. Wales
Venue: Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
Coverage: Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, and the BBC Sport website and app, along with live text commentary.
Brennan Johnson, who scored the decisive goal in last season's Europa League final and was acquired by Tottenham Hotspur for £50 million, is the second most expensive Welsh player in history, following Gareth Bale. However, he was notably dropped from the squad when Wales faced Belgium in a crucial World Cup qualifier last month.
At 24, Johnson is expected to be a key player for his national team, particularly given that many of his teammates play in lower-tier clubs. His omission from the starting lineup raised eyebrows, especially considering his Premier League experience. Despite the competition he faces at Spurs, including players like Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, Johnson would typically be among the first choices for Wales, even if his recent performances have been lackluster.
Head coach Craig Bellamy's decision to bench Johnson against Belgium was significant. Wales is nearing the conclusion of their World Cup qualifying group, with matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia ahead, and they are likely to advance to the play-offs in March.
'We Need to Temper Our Expectations'
To understand Johnson's journey with the Welsh national team, it's important to consider his early career. He made his debut at the age of 19 in November 2020 but missed out on the squad for the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 tournament. It wasn't until the 2022 World Cup campaign that he truly began to establish himself.
As Johnson's international career blossomed, the legendary Gareth Bale was nearing the end of his illustrious tenure with the team. Former Wales striker Nathan Blake commented on the immense pressure Johnson faces, urging people to allow him to grow into his own identity rather than trying to compare him to Bale. "Brennan's had a lot of pressure and expectation... I want to see the first Brennan Johnson, not the next Gareth Bale," he said.
Bale's retirement in January 2023 left a significant gap in the team's attacking prowess. While promising talents like Harry Wilson and David Brooks have stepped up, Johnson's transfer to Spurs for £50 million heightened scrutiny on his performance. Despite Wilson thriving under Bellamy, scoring six goals in his last 12 appearances, Johnson has only managed the same tally over 40 caps for Wales.
Johnson's performances have been inconsistent, and he has often appeared hesitant on the field. Following the defeat to Belgium, Morgan, a former Wales captain, expressed concern, stating, "He's a £50 million player allegedly, but what is his contribution to Wales? This is now consistently happening." Blake acknowledged the frustration but suggested that expectations for Johnson need to be moderated, as his development has not progressed as anticipated.
'It's Not Clear Where He Fits for Spurs'
Johnson's challenges extend to his club career at Spurs, where he joined during a tumultuous time following Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich. Jack Pitt-Brooke, who covers Tottenham for The Athletic, noted that Johnson's integration into the team occurred during a period of transition, and while he performed well initially, the arrival of new manager Thomas Frank has complicated his role.
Under former coach Ange Postecoglou, Johnson thrived, scoring 23 goals in his first two seasons. However, with Frank's different tactical approach, Johnson has found himself sidelined in favor of Kudus, who, despite not being a prolific scorer, offers a more complete game.
Currently, Johnson has scored four goals in 17 appearances this season, but many fans and analysts feel he needs to contribute more beyond just goal-scoring. Pitt-Brooke described Johnson as a "mystery," as he continues to search for his place in the squad.
With Wales, Johnson faces less competition for his position, making his recent benching against Belgium even more noteworthy. Preferring to play on the right wing, he has also been deployed as a center-forward, but Mark Harris, who has yet to score for club or country, was chosen for that role instead.