Ben Johnson could have a key role to play for West Ham this season.
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It will be vital for his development that Hammers boss David Moyes plays him in his correct position, however.
Far too often Johnson has been asked to fill in at left-back.
The young West Ham starlet is good enough to play there but it’s harsh on him to expect top performances when it isn’t his natural position.
Vladimir Coufal is the Hammers’ undisputed number one right-back. That goes without saying.
With so many competitions to play this season, however, it could be Johnson’s time to step up and challenge the Czech Republic international.
Ben Johnson key for West Ham
The young right-back has put in some top class displays during pre-season so far.
And it could be argued that he is far more effective than Ryan Fredericks both defensively and in the final third.
If West Ham sell the 28-year-old ex-Fulham man, it would bolster Moyes’s paltry summer transfer budget.
Johnson has everything required to succeed in the Premier League with the Hammers.
He is far better technically than Fredericks ever has been. The 21-year-old certainly has enough about him to be considered as West Ham’s second choice right-back this season.
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David Moyes simply has to ensure that he uses him in the right position this season. Otherwise it will be yet another year where his development and progress could be hindered.