Jack Wilshere believes Joe Johnson has the attacking qualities to be a “top level” full-back for Luton Town but insists the youngster must continue developing the defensive side of his game to earn a regular place in the Hatters side.
Johnson marked his return to his favoured left-back position with his first goal for the club as the Hatters thrashed Ipswich Town Under-21s 6-0 in the Jersey Mike’s Subs Trophy on Tuesday night.
It was just the 20-year-old’s fourth appearance of the season and his first involvement in a Luton victory, having been on the losing side in each of his previous three outings.
His goal was a particular highlight, Johnson finding himself high up the pitch and dinking over the keeper like a seasoned striker.
Wilshere was delighted with both the goal and Johnson’s overall performance, particularly the way he used the ball to change the rhythm of the game.
“It was an outstanding goal. He was really good,” Wilshere said. “I thought he was full of confidence. I thought he was in his flow.
“But all the stuff that we know Joe can bring and is really good at — when he goes into midfield and he takes the ball on the back foot and he turns the game forward — he changes the rhythm. He’s really, really good at that.”
Johnson’s performance was not limited to his attacking contribution, with Wilshere also pleased to see the young defender compete physically and come through his defensive work.
“I know there’ll be harder tests for him out of possession, but he won his duels, he won headers. He competed,” the manager said.
However, Wilshere knows Johnson faces stiff competition for a place in a Luton side which has several players capable of operating at full-back, but believes the England youth international understands what he needs to improve.
“Joe knows what he needs to do to get into the team,” he said. “And we really want him in the team because of the quality he brings.
“But there are also some things you have to do in this league that then you earn the right to show how good you are. So we’re working with Joe, but we love Joe and I’m really happy that he scored a really good goal.”
Johnson’s ability to move inside from full-back and operate in midfield gives him a different profile to Luton’s other options in those positions.
“It’s not easy to do what Joe does,” Wilshere said. “[Harrison] Ashby gives us something different on the right, is more of a straight-line vertical guy.
“Kal [Naismith] is someone who probably sits back a little bit more, the same as George [Johnston]. And we need that competition, but different profiles in those roles.”
Wilshere is particularly keen for Johnson not to lose the bravery which allows him to make such an impact in possession.
“Joe is someone that I love because he’s so grateful to be able to do that,” he said, adding: “And I want him to keep that courage and stay brave even when it gets tough.”
The manager also acknowledged the challenges facing a young full-back in League One, where opponents will look to test any perceived weakness by putting the ball into their area.
“There is some stuff out of possession for a young full back that I think is quite natural. Young fullbacks coming into this league, it’s not easy,” Wilshere said.
“It’s not easy because they [rival teams] play diagonal balls. They put it on you. And if they feel there’s a little bit of weakness there, they’ll put it on you even more.”
But Wilshere remains convinced Johnson has something special with the ball at his feet, particularly when he moves inside and helps Luton progress attacks.
“To do what he does with the ball and how he rolls inside is really good,” he said, adding: “He’s top level in my opinion, but he needs the other side as well.”
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