Manuel Pellegrini is fighting for his job when West Ham face Southampton this weekend.
It is a relegation six-pointer on the south coast in Saturday’s late kick-off. West Ham have been in awful form while Southampton have improved lately.
If West Ham lose against Southampton, Pellegrini could be sacked. He needs to think of ways of improving his team to save his job. This is why Ben Johnson should be given his chance.
Ben Johnson is fit again
Last season, Pellegrini handed Johnson his debut at The Etihad against Manchester City. The teenager held his own against some talented attackers, before limping off with an injury.
Pellegrini then included Johnson in his pre-season plans and he impressed. Operating at right-back or left-back, Johnson showed that he is ready to make the step up to the first-team.
But the young right-back suffered an injury setback in early September. He had been playing in the U23 team until he was ruled out. This prevented him from breaking into the first-team sooner.
Now, Johnson is fit again. He has been training with the team and he has been given some game time in the U23s. The 19-year-old could be ready to return to the senior squad.
Fredericks and Zabaleta struggle
West Ham need a new right-back and Johnson can show why he is the answer. Ryan Fredericks’ defensive weaknesses were exposed for Arsenal’s equaliser and his attacking threat is minimal. He seems to suffer with confidence when running at a defender or going on the overlap.
Pablo Zabaleta is not the answer either. The veteran Argentine defender does not have the legs to compete in the Premier League anymore. Johnson could be West Ham’s best option for the short and long-term future.
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