Brendan Rodgers has backed 'outstanding' Jon Flanagan as a potential inclusion in England's World Cup squad and hailed the youngster's tactical awareness.
With Liverpool and England's current first choice right back Glen Johnson sidelined, 21 year old Flanagan has made the most of his opportunity, starting the last three games in his natural position having previously impressed on the opposite flank before a hamstring injury sustained over the festive period interrupted his progress.
Rodgers has been delighted with what he's seen from the Academy graduate who grew up in the shadow of the Kop. “If you look at young Jon Flanagan, coming into the team at the level he’s playing at -- and the quality he’s playing at, especially in big games -- he’s been outstanding” said the Reds' boss.
When asked if Flanagan has England potential, Rodgers said: “Yes. And I think he’s shown it. It [the World Cup] might come too soon for him this year but there’s absolutely no question he’s got all the qualities to play in that position.
“Obviously, Glen Johnson’s in there, and Kyle Walker’s been a regular there. But Roy will know as well as anyone the pressures of representing a club such as Liverpool.
“You’ve got a young player such as Jon Flanagan, at 21 years of age, performing in the way that he has done. And the key for Jon is consistency. The key for Jon is making sure he doesn’t believe he’s cracked it, which I think he’s probably learned from the last time he was in and then out of the team, through injury, or whatever."
Flanagan is known for his tough tackling and enthusiasm, but Rodgers insists there's far more to the youngster's game than that, citing the Arsenal game at the weekend as evidence of his growing tactical maturity. “He’s now taken his opportunity, and you see that hunger. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how tactically good he is. He played against Santi Cazorla last weekend, a player who jumps inside. We asked Jon to make sure he went in at the right moments. If he can do that here in these types of games, he can do it at international level, for sure.”
With Glen Johnson now back in training and close to a return, should Flanagan retain his place in the side?
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