Starlet Ben Johnson could cost West Ham European football – Dean Jones
Dean Jones has claimed that West Ham starlet Ben Johnson could cost David Moyes a place in the Champions League, as per GIVEMESPORT.
The academy graduate has been fast-tracked into the first team this season following the long-term injury to teammate Vladimir Coufal.
Despite his inexperience, Johnson is expected to feature in the Hammers’ biggest game of the season so far, the Europa League round of 16 first leg against Sevilla.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s going to have to make some big challenges and big decisions at key times in matches that, ultimately, could cost West Ham a top-four spot and a European spot.
“There’s a lot on the line here for him and it’s the perfect moment to really gauge whether he’s up to it right now or whether he’s still a prospect.”
Star in the making
The lad has done brilliantly this season.
He came in and did a magnificent job in the Premier League when called upon earlier in the term and did not look one bit out of place against some of the Premier Leagues and Europe’s best teams.
Thursday’s (March 10) game will be a step up for him having not played European knockout football at such a high level before, but he will benefit from the couple of group games the defender featured in earlier in the season.
There is a slight concern over Johnson with his lack of experience but based on how well the Irons have seen him adjust to the challenges he has faced so far does ease the nerves.
Hopefully he eventually renews his contract with the club having rejected negotiations earlier in the season. The 22-year-old is a huge talent, certainly a star for the future.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have been priced out of signing Marcus Rashford this summer – report
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