West Ham’s Promising Defender “Blessed” To Be In Team

Ben Johnson is enjoying his time in the West ham first-team. The youngster has impressed in his appearances this season and is determined to forge a Premier League career with the Hammers.

The right-back made his debut for West Ham in 2019 in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. There was a lot of hype around the youngster, but two serious hamstring injuries curtailed his first-team progression.

Last season the Hammer suffered an injury crisis at full-back. Jeremy Ngakia was called up and impressed. However, this was due to Johnson being injured. The 21-year-old would have been the clubs first choice to go into the side but was injured at the time.

West Ham youngster Ben Johnson is finally realising the potential that he showed in the youth teams at the highest level.

Ngakia has since left the club while Johnson has recovered from his injury problems and is showing the ability that many people involved at the club saw in him. The defender has pushed on this season and is showing potential to be a solid member of the West Ham team for years to come.

"“I’m just blessed to be in the team, the first thing is you have to work hard and you’ve just got to be focused. I think sometimes in the past maybe I’ve not taken my opportunity or had lapses in concentration, but I’m just trying to keep focused and give my all in training – play as if it’s my last session or my last game.Ben Johnson on his place in the team."

Johnson’s high point of the season so far has to be the first senior goal of his career. The right-back scored against Brighton with a clinical finish into the top corner. Johnson, however, is not in the side for his goalscoring. The defender’s ability to play on either side of the defence has meant this he has provided crucial back-up to regular defenders.

The utility Johnson has shown will set him up well for his career as he will be able to challenge for multiple places in the team. This means that Johnson can always have a place in the squad and more value than a player who can only play in one position. Johnson is also showing the hard work needed to succeed.

"“I know this is the start of my career and I want to play many games for this Club and have a good career in the Premier League, but I’ve still got to work really hard and keep pushing on every day. Even when you’re feeling tired you’ve got to keep working hard.”Johnson is pushing himself."

The current West Ham team are enjoying a great season so far and are currently challenging for European competition next season. After the victory over Sheffield United, Johnson said just how much of a joy it is to play in the team.

"“We played well, we got the goals and even when they had the ball and were probing, we looked strong. We’ve been strong all season defensively, and we looked sharp in attack too so it’s a joy to watch, for everyone watching us, and a joy to play in this team.”Johnson enjoying his game-time."

With Aaron Cresswell in this thirties and Arthur Masuaku proving to be injury-prone and inconsistent at times, the left-back spot could be an open position for Johnson to target. The defender does have time on his side and if he continues to play at his current level then it won’t be long until he is given the starting spot.