West Ham man Ben Johnson lauds Mark Noble
West Ham starlet Ben Johnson has heaped praise on Mark Noble for helping him breakthrough into the first team.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, the 21-year-old reflected on his career and the season so far.
An injury to Vladimir Coufal handed Johnson his chance to make a big impression in the first team, and boy has he taken it.
The 21-year-old has looked very good, and though he made a good number of first-team appearances last season, this feels like it is his year.
He believes that Noble has played a huge part in getting him to where he is now.
He said: “When I got my opportunity, for him seeing me do well – he’s a bit like a proud dad. He’s helped me so much. He gets on with my family when they come to the games.
“He’s just a good person; that’s what stuck out to me, and to have him as club captain, as someone to look up to, seeing how many games he’s played and how much he’s done for the club, is something I’d like to replicate.”
Lovely words from Johnson.
This is some really nice stuff, and it is great to hear that Johnson has such admiration for Noble.
However, fair play to the West Ham captain for guiding Johnson on and off the pitch and also interacting with his family.
He might not play as much as he used to do, but he is still clearly a massively important player in the dressing room, and if anyone deserves this current success, it is him.
He has been with the Irons during the lean times, so wouldn’t it be great if he could be part of a trophy-winning side or something like that?
Meanwhile, Johnson comes across as a grounded and respectful individual who clearly has the right attitude to succeed.
It also seems as if he would like to stay with the Irons for a long time, so let us all hope he can and be part of a successful period in the club’s history.
In other West Ham news, Karren Brady delivers her verdict on David Moyes.
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