To followers of the Premier League, Ben Johnson is far from a household name. However, the young full-back is one that the Hammers will have high hopes for. The teenager made his debut in the English top flight against Manchester City in the narrow 1-0 loss earlier this month, and now he’s put pen to paper on a new deal until 2022.
We are happy to announce that Ben Johnson has signed a new contract with the Club! #Johnson2022 pic.twitter.com/g0vufvXKRo
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 20, 2019
Johnson looks to be an exciting young prospect, and whilst the fans can’t wait to see a little bit more from the defender, they may have some waiting to do. At the moment, the options for Manuel Pellegrini on the left pf his defence are Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell, whilst on the right the Irons have Pablo Zabaleta and Ryan Fredericks holding the fort, leaving little space for the youngster.
However, with the ability to play on either side, as we saw him thrown in at left-back at The Etihad despite being a right-back by trade, is something that will serve Johnson well. In the Premier League 2 for West Ham’s U23s Johnson has featured 16 times, all at right-back, and if he keeps going the way he is then it won’t be long until he’s usurped the ageing Zabaleta and is the second choice on the right of the defence under Pellegrini.
You can read the Hammers’ thoughts on Johnson’s contract here:
https://twitter.com/iowbirdman/status/1108407730191122433
https://twitter.com/apointofbanter/status/1108308752107819008
well done mate! One of us! #COYI
— JB (@BurchettJason) 20 March 2019
https://twitter.com/MurrayLiam1999/status/1108387466472579072
Academy of Football pic.twitter.com/S4nDS0Mdna
— Connor (@SpiffingAFK) 20 March 2019
Great player
— egy (@egu46037914) March 20, 2019
The Irons will be delighted that the youngster has been signed on for another three years and have faith that he can one day be the first-choice right-back in this youthful West Ham side.
