Brennan Johnson’s major change gets huge backing amid ‘Ronaldo’ goalscoring form

Brennan Johnson’s turnaround came after Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou suggested the striker stopped scrolling through a cesspit of vile abuse

Brennan Johnson’s decision to unplug from social media is getting a big like from Craig Bellamy.

The Wales boss reckons the Tottenham striker is already worth a cool £80million – that’s almost twice the £47.5m figure Spurs paid Nottingham Forest for the 23-year-old just over a year ago. Johnson has scored in five successive matches for Spurs since he left the trolls behind following abuse over his previous five-game barren streak.

Now, as he aims to make it six-in-six at Brighton on Sunday, Johnson is being compared to former Brazilian superstar Ronaldo by Spurs, who stuck Johnson’s face on Ronaldo’s body on their channels following his midweek goal against Hungarians Ferencvaros in the Europa League.

“He has ridiculous talent,” said Bellamy, who hopes Johnson’s hot scoring streak can continue when Wales resume their Nations League campaign next week. His high intensity is through the roof and he is now elite, showing why Spurs paid that money for him.

“He could yet have a bad couple of years, but if I was in another job and he was worth £80m, I’d go and buy him for that. Trust me, he’s got every part of a footballer that makes him an elite player. That’s the player I see.”

Johnson’s turnaround came after Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou suggested the striker stopped scrolling through a cesspit of vile abuse. Bellamy insists he leaves it up to his players whether they choose to be on social media but reckons Johnson made the right call in bailing out.

“I completely believe in what works for you, works for you. I don’t get involved in any other part of it,” he said. “I believe that what you do as an individual is okay with me, regarding social media. I choose not to use it. But for my players, you do what you feel is best for you – feel free. Whatever makes you play better.”

Although Johnson is making headlines as a goalscorer this season, it is his all-round contribution under Spurs manager Postecoglou that has impressed Bellamy. He said: “Spurs invested very heavily in that, but what really impresses me with him is that the team comes first. It is his work rate for the team – I love that. It’s so important. “

Nor can Bellamy – who took plenty of fan abuse himself during his days at Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City – understand why Johnson was subject to so much flak. “He’s a great character who is so easy to coach. He loves the group and the group loves him. He has all the traits of a really top class player,” he said.

“Brennan is still young, but I see a humble kid with good morals who was brought up by good parents in a brilliant family structure. We are now seeing what a talent he really is.”

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