Pundit warns ‘versatile’ Spurs target wouldn’t break into the starting XI

Paul Robinson is not sold on the idea of Tottenham signing Ben Johnson, with the former Spurs goalkeeper opining that the West Ham star would not be able to get into Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven.

While Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have had exceptional seasons, there are question marks over whether Ben Davies and Emerson Royal are good fits for the inverted full-back role, which might be why we have seen various full-backs being mooted as targets for Spurs over recent weeks.

Johnson is said to be one of the names on Tottenham’s radar, with Football Transfers claiming last month that the North London club are keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old, whose current deal at the London Stadium runs out this summer.

The outlet claimed that the Hammers star’s ability to operate in both full-back areas appeals to Spurs and that the player has been highly recommended by club legend Ledley King.

Would Ben Johnson be a good signing for Spurs?

However, Robinson has his doubts about the proposed transfer, suggesting that the English defender’s signing will not be a popular move among the Tottenham fans base.

When asked about Spurs’ pursuit of Johnson, the former Lilywhites number one told Tottenham News: “I think it’s an area that Tottenham will certainly look to address this summer in the full-back areas. 

“I think the thing with Ben Johnson is he’s versatile, can play both right-back and left-back but if you put him into the Tottenham squad now with a fully fit Pedro Porro and a fully fit Destiny Udogie, he doesn’t play.

“I’m not so sure he takes Spurs to the next level where they want to get to, and a deal between Spurs and West Ham – it may not go down too well with the fans. He’d have to hit the ground running to win a lot of the supporters over.

“I think he’d be a good addition to the squad, put it that way, but I don’t think he’d have an immediate impact on the starting XI. this season, in a West Ham side that does play in a certain defensive way.

“He’s struggled to establish himself in the West Ham side this season, in a West Ham side that does play in a certain defensive way.

“The way that Ange Postecoglou plays, he’s very combative, he’s fit, he gets up and down the pitch but the two full-backs that are there now he wouldn’t get in ahead over either of them for me.”

Spurs Web Opinion

While there are some positions we need to upgrade on like the number nine role and number six role, I do not think Postecoglou would looking for upgrades at centre-back or full-back.

The Aussie coach will want additions who can provide sufficient cover for the starters and Johnson ticks a few boxes, given that he is homegrown and potentially available on a free transfer.

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