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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kadeem Simmonds

'I wouldn't say' - Ben Johnson breaks silence on battle for West Ham's right back spot

West Ham United's Ben Johnson says he is relishing the battle at right back between himself, summer arrival Thilo Kehrer and Vladimir Coufal.

Johnson started the season playing at centre-back with the Hammers facing an injury crisis at the back in their opening games.

Naturally a right back, the England under-21 international returned to his more accustomed position once the likes of Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and other players returned to fitness.

READ MORE: Former Arsenal defender makes honest Conference League prediction ahead of West Ham vs Silkeborg

Johnson missed a number of games himself due to injury but since his return to full fitness, has found himself challenging to start alongside Kehrer and Coufal.

Kehrer can play anywhere along the backline and Johnson feels that the competition for places has allowed for a 'healthy relationship' among a group of players who are giving their all both on the pitch and on the training ground.

"Yes, of course," Johnson replied when asked if there is competition at right back. "I think you've got two internationals there which I'm competing with which shows the calibre of player we have in that certain position.

"Thilo is a bit like me, he's versatile and can play in all sorts of positions and you've got Vlad whose been fantastic for us ever since he signed. I wouldn't say competition is daunting or any problems between us, it's a healthy relationship and I wouldn't say we focus on whoever is playing, we just want the team to do well.

"Whoever is starting in that position we want the team to do well because it helps everyone and going forward, it helps the club. Whoever plays there, it's the manager's decision. All we can do is give 100% while out training and go from there."

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