Green Street Hammers
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Ben Johnson has a huge opportunity claim the right-back spot

By Jay Korman

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Ben Johnson of West Ham in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Fulham at Craven Cottage on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Ben Johnson of West Ham in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Fulham at Craven Cottage on July 27, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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In light of the recent transfer news surrounding West Ham’s young right-back Jeremy Ngakia, it creates a huge opportunity for another Hammers youngster.

As disappointing as the news is, it seems that West Ham’s promising young right-back Jeremy Ngakia will not be extended his contract with the club. This is a big blow to West Ham’s future at the position, as Ngakia had impressed whilst on the pitch thus far for the Irons. However, this creates a huge opportunity for another West Ham youngster, right-back Ben Johnson.

Johnson, although only 20 years of age, has had experience with the first-team in the Premier League before. Johnson made a shock start against Manchester City in the Premier League last season and impressed many Irons fans on his debut.

Although Johnson has yet to feature this year for the Hammers, Ngakia’s inevitable departure could catapult Johnson right into the conversation to start at right-back when the Premier League season returns.

One of the benefits of Ben Johnson’s game is his positional versatility, specifically at the wing-back position. Although a right-back first, Johnson will have no problem slotting into the left-back position as well, a spot in West Ham’s XI that needs major reinforcements. Due to the Hammers lack of depth and skill at the wing-back spots, Johnson will give the Hammers the depth and talent that they need.

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As deflating and depressing as the Ngakia situation maybe, this could be a blessing in disguise for the Hammers. Ngakia is talented, but if he is not willing to be apart of what the Hammers are trying to build he should not stay at the club. Ben Johnson is another youth academy product who will fight for the badge and try to earn a spot in the Irons starting XI, what more could you ask for from an academy standout?