Following the news that Arthur Masuaku is set to spend a spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, David Moyes has been left somewhat short of options at left-back within his West Ham United squad.

However, with Ben Johnson having proven this season that he is more than capable of operating on the left of the West Ham back four, the 58-year-old Hammers boss could look to utilise the 22-year-old as a backup to first-choice left-back Aaron Cresswell going forwards.

Although, this would then open up a space on the right, and, while it is true that Moyes has the option of Ryan Fredericks, perhaps it would be a smarter move for the Scotsman to take a closer look at one of the club's up and coming talents in the position - in the shape of Harrison Ashby.

"He's like a giant"

A graduate of the West Ham academy, the defender has been in spectacular form for the Irons U23 side so far this season, scoring two goals and registering four assists over his 16 Premier League 2 appearances, as well as bagging a further goal and assist over his three outings in the Papa John's Trophy.

This form has clearly caught the attention of Moyes, who has already handed the 20-year-old three first-team appearances this season - a six-minute Premier League cameo against Arsenal, as well as starts in the 1-0 Europa League defeat against Dinamo Zagreb and the 2-1 Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

As such, it is clear for all to see why there is a considerable amount of excitement surrounding the potential of the right-back, with West Ham podcaster Sam Delaney stating of the Scotland U21 international: "He's big as well. He's like a big unit. He's only young, but he’s like a giant. Usually, you're used to seeing smaller players in those wing-back positions, but he looked big, strong, he was very fearless, decent on the ball."

So, while right-back is a position in which Moyes does currently possess a number of options, it would nevertheless appear wise for the 58-year-old to use Masuaku's absence as a reason to unleash Ashby on a much more regular basis - as the defender appears to have the potential to become a starter for the club in the not too distant future, as long as he is given a chance.

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