OPINION
Ben Johnson is undoubtedly one of the brightest prospects in the West Ham United academy, and after his performance for the Under-23s on Monday night, it would be a major surprise if he wasn’t a big part of the first team squad next season.
The Hammers second string side overcame Everton 2-1 in front of the club’s director of football Mario Husillos, as per Football London, and the West Ham chief will have been hugely impressed by what he saw from the young right back.
The 19-year-old was absolutely superb against the Toffees, bombarding down the right hand side at will, as well as completing his defensive duties with aplomb.
This is a young man who has been consistently excellent for the U23s this season, and he appears to be the long term answer at right back for the Hammers.
He already looks like he has the makings of a big first team star in the future, and his time is surely coming sooner rather than later. Pablo Zabaleta is in the twilight of his career, while Ryan Fredericks has been extremely inconsistent in his debut season at the London Stadium.
Johnson, on the other hand, looked tremendous in his first team debut against Manchester City – of all sides – earlier this year. At this point, the youngster appears to be the best choice for the starting right back spot next season.
He will surely be given the chance to make an impression on manager Manuel Pellegrini this pre season, and if he impresses the Chilean then he could well be the first choice next campaign.
After shining once again for the U23s on Monday night it’s clear: Johnson is the future for the Hammers at right back, and the future could be arriving sooner rather than later.
