West Ham United: Ben Johnson must step up after injury news emerges v Freiburg
The full-back positions have been one of the easiest predictions in David Moyes’ starting lineup this season, with Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri doing exemplary work for West Ham.
Despite the Hammers’ shaky backline since the turn of the year, the duo been mainstays at full-back, bombing up and down the pitch to help defend and attack.
West Ham were dealt a blow in their quest for more European success, with Freiburg taking a one-goal advantage from the tie in Germany, with Moyes’ side losing 1-0 on Thursday 7 March.
Emerson Palmieri leaves David Moyes with few options for West Ham United
And the misery was compounded when Italian ace Emerson was forced off against after 68 minutes due to injury, with Moyes later stating: “He felt his groin so I need to see how he is,” as per The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas.
Up until the injury, Emerson had dealt with the threat of the Bundesliga side well, boasting a 100 per cent tackle success, diminishing Ritsu Doan’s impact on the game, as well as winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels and 67 per cent of his ground duels. [FotMob]
It is fair to say that West Ham’s performance was generally sloppy, with many of the players giving the ball away far too easily and allowing Freiburg to apply pressure.
However, the 29-year-old cannot be named in the same bracket, having left the field with a 91 per cent pass accuracy. Of the starting XI, only James Ward-Prowse maintained a higher pass completion, with 96 per cent. [FotMob]
Could Ben Johnson be the solution to Moyes’ problems?
Ben Johnson has experienced an extremely unusual season at the London Stadium, starting off training with the youth teams and, reportedly, demanding too high a wage in contract talks, to emerging as an all-rounder for Moyes to utilise.
Capable of deputising at left-back, on the opposite side to his usual position, the 24-year-old has also played on both wings against Arsenal and Manchester United.
With an 86 per cent tackle success this season, as well as an 81 per cent pass completion, across his nine Premier League appearances during the current campaign, Moyes must put his trust in Johnson. [FotMob]
The upcoming fixture against Burnley will presented as a potential banana-peel, especially if Vincent Kompany can target a weakness at full-back, which is why Johnson will needed if Emerson’s injury is serious.
In other West Ham news, sources have claimed a Premier League manager is now in the frame to replace Moyes.
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