Ben Johnson showing vast improvement
Ben Johnson looks set to take over as the back-up right back to Vladi Coufal if he continues in the sort of form he displayed at Goodison Park at the weekend.
The young man admitted he was a little nervous before the game but it certainly didn’t show in a performance which was reminiscent of another academy product of two or three years ago.
Ben did everything right at Everton, defending superbly at time and getting forward at every opportunity – that we barely noticed Vladi wasn’t playing was a huge tribute to the lad.
I feel for Ryan Fredericks because he had set up a great goal and looked in fine form ahead of his injury but at last – at long long last there is a competitiveness in this squad which can only be of huge benefit to the club.
And that it is coming via the academy is even better – once again we are regaining a reputation which had been lost for a few years.
Claretandhugh blogger former academy director Terry Westley has always spoken in the highest possible terms of Ben and he’s being proven spot on.
The boy looks set for a game against Genk on Thursday night and should Vladi be unavailable again at the weekend Spurs will almost certainly be the next big challenge.
So great to see our own coming through!
Here Here, Hugh, have to agree 100% and I remember reading Terry Westley’s views on Ben, remarking that Ben was a Rolls Royce of a player.
Ben’s decision making is first class and considering that there is more to come from him as he grows into being a respected first-team squad member. But you can’t help but feel sorry for Ryan Fredericks as his injury record has been so unkind to him. Ryan posses a different type of threat for the opposition and there will be games where he will come into his own.
I now fully understand why Jeremy Ngakia left, because he knew then, what we are all finding out now.