Aaron Cresswell didn’t exactly have a field day against Manchester City and with Arthur Masuaku nowhere to be seen, could it be Ben Johnson’s time to shine against Brighton? Some West Ham United fans believe so.
The 19-year-old full-back was very impressive during pre-season and can play on either side of the defence after transitioning from being a winger in the early stages of his youth career.
Plenty of Hammers fans have taken to Twitter to publicise their desire to see Johnson be given a chance at the AMEX Stadium this weekend. Is can’t exactly go down from here anyway, can it?
Twitter: @COYIrons_com Yes thought he was one of the best players in pre season (@GaryWoodhouse71)
Twitter: @COYIrons_com Oh yes please
(@AkiW_M)
Twitter: @COYIrons_com Gotta give our young guys a go.. look what happened with rice. Ben Johnson could be a great player fo… https://t.co/gh06wY2ETS (@nealguise)
Some fans were adamant that if he was to start, he should slot in at left-back rather than right-back, currently occupied by Ryan Fredricks.
Twitter: @COYIrons_com Over Cresswells shambolic performance last week yes, but I’ve seen people putting him in over Frederi… https://t.co/BGLvsGoM2g (@Juicedmoose)
Twitter: @COYIrons_com Potentially at LB, for me he is in front of Cresswell. Fredericks deserves the RB slot Saturday (@RichardKnott2)
Read West Ham verdict
Masuaku was a surprise absentee on Saturday, especially considering Mark Noble was revealed to be the only sidelined player through injury.
It’s a sentiment to the Hammers’ good squad depth this season, but also confusing considering Cresswell’s struggles throughout pre-season.
If he is indeed fully fit, I’d personally like to see Masuaku return to the starting line-up but if not, there’s no harm whatsoever in testing the waters with Johnson after showing such promising signs so far.
