Ben Johnson has been included in the West Ham United squad that will travel to China for the Premier League Asia Trophy.
The rarely-seen 19-year-old will be given the opportunity alongside fellow youngsters, Grady Diangana and Josh Cullen.
West Ham confirmed their squad list on their official club website on Wednesday morning, with the Hammers set to fly out to Asia at the weekend.
Johnson is a defender who was a mainstay in the West Ham under-23’s squad last season and made his senior Premier League debut back in February against eventual champions Manchester City.
OPINION
There is no questioning that this is a massive opportunity for Johnson, who will be chomping at the bit to get going and prove himself for the next Premier League season. The 19-year-old definitely has earned the trust of manager Manuel Pellegrini, with the Chilean already having thrown him into the deep end against Manchester City, who undoubtedly have the most ruthless attack in the whole of the division. Featuring at right-back primarily in the Hammers’ academy, Johnson featured at left-back for the senior squad, and can also play in the heart of midfield. His ability to play in numerous different positions could see him become favoured by the Chilean, who will no doubt hold the youngster in the highest category, especially after showing confidence in his game to include him in the squad. It will be a great experience for the starlet, with the Hammers playing against fellow Premier League sides Manchester City, Wolves, and Newcastle United.
