Ben Johnson is fast becoming West Ham United’s ‘Mr. Versatility’.
The Academy of Football graduate was already comfortable playing across the defensive line, as either full-back or as a centre-half, but the 24-year-old has shown in recent weeks there are plenty more strings to his bow.
Having impressed during a stint in centre-midfield in the 2-2 draw with Sheffield United, Johnson’s adaptability was again called upon against Manchester United. The No2 lined up on the right-wing as part of West Ham’s attack and, while the Irons did not leave Old Trafford with the result their efforts perhaps deserved, Johnson’s personal showing was a particular highlight.
Manager David Moyes was suitably impressed, praising Johnson’s ability as a ‘hybrid player’ following Sunday’s defeat, and the man who has traditionally made his home at right-back is happy to continue featuring whether the team needs him to.
“I’m happy to play wherever the manager wants to put me,” he said. “I used to play there when I was younger and I enjoy that role, but getting my bearings again in that position does take a little time. But I like to think I’m willing to learn and I can do that job. I want to fill in wherever the team needs me and do the best I can.
“I can definitely take some positives from Old Trafford. Of course, I can only do as well as the team does. I feel like there were some good performances across the group out there and, personally, I just want to keep going and enjoying my football.”
Johnson showed his instincts for the attacking side of the game on Sunday, proving himself to be a threat on the flank while also providing defensive cover when required.
It was his powerful shot from distance that almost levelled proceedings against Manchester United, after Rasmus Højlund’s opener, with Johnson forcing Andre Onana into a smart save.
Emerson Palmieri twice went close, while Jarrod Bowen also had a gilt-edge opportunity denied, but Erik Ten Hag’s men would run out 3-0 winners following Alejandro Garnacho’s double in the second half.
While Johnson was content with West Ham’s performance, he admitted the team needed to capitalise on the opportunities when they presented themselves, something he and the squad will work on ahead of Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal.
“We started well but it’s always difficult when you concede a goal against the run of play,” added Johnson, who is three short of 100 appearances for the Club he joined at the age of seven. “It felt like we were building into the game but when you concede away at a team like Manchester United, it’s difficult to come back because you’re chasing the match.
“We had good chances at 1-0 and 2-0 which could have maybe got us back into the game, but these things happen. That’s football. You see it in so many games. One team goes up one end, have a good opportunity that they miss from, and then the other team goes up the other end and scores.
“That changes the momentum of the entire game. We were building into the match, had that big opportunity, but then they score. The game doesn’t feel like it’s done at that point, because it’s the Premier League and we know what we can do, but it’s certainly a mountain to climb at that point.
“We’re going to watch it back, try our best in the next game and hopefully we can be on the front foot and get the first goal.”
