West Ham United youngster Ben Johnson is expected to challenge for a first team spot sooner rather than later, according to Football London correspondent Sam Inkersole.
The reliable journalist claims that the 19-year-old is being lined up for a first team role in the near future, with uncertainty surrounding the Hammers’ right backs.
Veteran Pablo Zabaleta is out of contract at the end of the season, although it’s understood that manager Manuel Pellegrini wants him to stay in East London.
Ryan Fredericks, on the other hand, has endured significant injury problems in his first season at the London Stadium, as has Sam Byram who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest.
OPINION
This is good to hear and many West Ham fans will be excited that this is the expectation for Johnson moving forward. He has been making waves at youth level for the Hammers and impressed massively when he played for the first team against Manchester City earlier this season. Given the problems that Pellegrini’s team have had at right back this term it’s slightly surprising that Johnson hasn’t had more than just the one Premier League opportunity. It’s not as if he looked out of his depth when he had a chance either, indeed he looked excellent. There is uncertainty surrounding Zabaleta’s future, while Fredericks and Byram have seen their seasons derailed by injury. With that said, it might not be long until Johnson is the main man at right back for the club – and the next youngster to really make a sustained impact in the team after the outstanding Declan Rice.
