Alan 3:22 Wed Feb 23
Ben Johnson
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Evening Standard
West Ham ward off Arsenal and Tottenham interest in starlet Ben Johnson with two-year contract extension
By Jack Rosser
West Ham have taken up a two-year option in Ben Johnson's contract, extending his current deal to 2024.
Johnson's deal was set to expire at the end of the campaign and talks had been held over a potential fresh contract, but the club have elected to take up the additional two-year option which will see the academy graduate's wage rise this summer.
The full-back has established himself as a first-team figure this season and excelled for a spell earlier in the campaign during an injury to first-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal.
During that run in the side the 22-year-old shone in victories over Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea.
That run of form drew attention from outside of West Ham. London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham have both kept a keen eye on his development, with Liverpool also impressed by his performance against them in West Ham's 3-2 victory at London Stadium.
Spurs manager Antonio Conte remains keen to add a right-wing back to his squad having failed to do so in the January window. The North Londoners signed Emerson Royal from Barcelona in the summer but the 23-year-old has disappointed so far this season.
Despite that interest, Johnson is very happy at the London Stadium and focused on securing his place in Moyes’s starting XI once again.
That chance could come this weekend when Wolves visit the Hammers. Coufal is out of form and missed last weekend's draw with Newcastle due to a hernia issue, meaning there could be an opening for Johnson to force his way back in. Moyes elected to start with Ryan Fredericks against the Magpies but the former Fulham man was booked early and replaced by Johnson at half-time following a poor showing.
Another sustained run of games for Johnson, who can also play at left-back or in midfield if required, could increase his chances of a first England Under-21s call-up next month, with the Three Lions coaches having monitored his progress.
Johnson is uncapped at youth level for England and faces competition from Southampton's Tino Livramento, Norwich City's Max Aarons and Nottingham Forest full-back Djed Spence, the latter of whom is also of interest to Arsenal and Tottenham.
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Replies - In Chronological Order ( Show Newest Messages First)
AKA ERNIE
3:25 Wed Feb 23
Re: Ben Johnson
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Great news best rb at club by a mile
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pdbis
5:02 Wed Feb 23
Re: Ben Johnson
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About time we had some good news. Best right back at the club.
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dealcanvey
5:25 Wed Feb 23
Re: Ben Johnson
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Good News.
Surprised Frederiks started ahead of him against Newcastle. Especially when Frederiks will be on his way in the summer.
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Roeders Jacket
5:29 Wed Feb 23
Re: Ben Johnson
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Improving defensively, but shocking distribution and offers very little in the final 3rd.
For me it's why Vlad gets picked everytime, although acknowledge he got the run-around in the 2nd half v Leicester a few weeks back.
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SUM A DING WONG
5:47 Wed Feb 23
Re: Ben Johnson
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I like Johnson, so this is very good news.
But let's have it right - Coufal is our best right back. Let's not right him off just yet, just because he's hit a bit of a sticky patch.
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Full Claret Jacket
12:23 Fri Feb 25
Re: Ben Johnson
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Really important to keep him. Coufal has had surgery so has clearly been playing with a problem, Fredericks is out of contract in the summer I believe and to be honest has never looked like staking a regular claim for starts. Ben has the added bonus of being cover for the left as well although I'd like to see a natural left back as cover there.
Would like to see him develop the attacking side of his game and be more ambitious going forward including getting more quality crosses in. Totally get that firstly he has to be solid defensively.
Lets be clear, he isn't a 50m defender with silky skills, amazing distribution and international pedigree but he is pretty reliable, solid and committed. I hope the club don't just see him as a cheap option but offer him a respectable deal for where he has got too. It annoys me when we overlook our local talent to bring in hopeless foreign players with no connection to the club for big money and wages that clog the bench and block academy prospects.
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gph
12:30 Fri Feb 25
Re: Ben Johnson
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Young, with time for improvement.
Currently better than Coufal with his injury. If Coufal's going to be better when he recovers, how about playing Johnson until that happens?
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Vexed
12:55 Fri Feb 25
Re: Ben Johnson
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I like Johnson but he aint anywhere near Coufal yet. Think he'll become a really good player though, big, quick, confident, good defender. Bit of a zero past the half way line though.
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DukeofDevo
1:30 Fri Feb 25
Re: Ben Johnson
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He’s going to get a run now Coufals out for a while!
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Lee Trundle
11:47 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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Just been called up to the England U21's.
Well deserved.
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Manuel
11:53 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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Can BJ play LB or not? if so he could be Cresswell's replacement. if not, Coufal has a battle getting his spot back.
Johnson seems to be improving before your eyes, just needs to work on his crossing.
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El Scorchio
11:58 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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Was very poor on Sunday at least until he switched to his weaker side (left).
Great last night though.
i think his future as a right footer is at right back but he's very capable at left back as well although crossing will always be a problem from that side.
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Lee Trundle
12:01 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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I think he can fill in there adequately if needed, but I wouldn't want us to be looking at him playing there full time. We still need another proper left back to compete, and hopefully, take over from Cresswell.
He needs to nail down this right back spot for us, I think, or might become a bit of a Phil Neville for us, a jack of all trades and master of none (which wouldn't be a bad career to have).
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I.want.that.one
12:25 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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He’s a little frustrating and confusing. He’s a great outlet, has a great engine and generally is calm under pressure but he can’t cross and more often than not cuts back and slows the counter attack down.
Then he switches to the left and looks so much more comfortable and crosses way more often.
He’s going to be a top class player though. Needs help with decision making as he gets towards the byline
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Come On You Irons
12:27 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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He's a poor player but has a good coach in Moyes teaching him how to defend. He remains terrible on the ball though.
A decent squad player and back up to Coufal, so one to retain the services of.
I'm sure Fredericks and Masuaku will be shown the door in the summer, and a new left back will be signed.
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twoleftfeet
12:34 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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“ he is a poor player “
Not what England think.
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nich the d
12:43 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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I.want.that.one wrote
"but he can’t cross and more often than not cuts back and slows the counter attack down."
Spot on - if he can sort that aspect of his game out he will be a very good player.
He does seem better on the left in terms of crosses...
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claypole
1:39 Fri Mar 18
Re: Ben Johnson
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Could do with working on his throw-ins
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