West Ham United youngster Ben Johnson has reportedly emerged as a better right-back prospect for the Hammers than Jeremy Ngakia, according to a report.
According to The Guardian, Ngakia is set to leave the club at the end of this month after refusing an extension to see out the remainder of the Premier League season – though Johnson is deemed to be the brighter talent.
As stated by The Guardian, the club was ‘dismayed’ when Ngakia turned down a new deal last month and the 19-year-old looks set to be leaving on a free.
However, the report reveals that Johnson is ‘regarded as a better prospect’ by the club – and missed out on a first-team opportunity when Ngakia took his place due to the youngster being injured.
Ngakia made his debut for the Hammers in late January against Liverpool in the Premier League (per West Ham).
TIF Thoughts…
Statistically, there is little to go off to compare the two players due to Johnson’s lack of first-team football, which is apparently due to an injury.
However, for the Under-23s this season, both players have made eight appearances and they suggest that Johnson has certainly been a little more prolific.
Over those eight outings, all of which came in the Premier League 2 for Ngakia, the right-back only managed to bag one assist (per Transfermarkt).
Should Ben Johnson be West Ham's starting right-back next season?Yes, that's a good idea
No, he's not ready
|
However, over Johnson’s eight outings, seven of which were in the Premier League 2 and one in the EFL Trophy, the 20-year-old bagged three assists (per Transfermarkt).
While Ngakia did go on to make four first-team appearances, he only made himself the 17th-best performer for the Irons in the league this season with a 6.6/10 average rating (per WhoScored).
So, while it may be disappointing to lose a youngster that the club wish to keep, it is positive that the Hammers have another youngster waiting in the wings who they believe to be even more talented.