Hoyte rates Johnson among the very best

02 December 2009 11:07
Adam Johnson has been compared to Theo Walcott and David Bentley by a Middlesbrough team-mate who came through the ranks with some of the best wingers in the game.[LNB] Johnson's stock has risen considerably this season after becoming Boro's main source of goals having found the net nine times, with Sunderland leading the chase for his signature in January.[LNB] The 22-year-old was crowned the North-East Football Writers' Young Player of the Year on Sunday night following his scintillating start to his first full season as a Middlesbrough regular.[LNB] His form and willingness to take on defenders has alerted top clubs from across the country and Justin Hoyte has not been surprised by the attention the left-winger has received.[LNB] Hoyte spent five years as a professional at Arsenal, where he graduated through the club's Academy system with top talents from home and abroad attracted to North London by Arsene Wenger.[LNB] Much has been made of the Gunners' production line, with the majority of the Arsenal team graduating from the club's Academy.[LNB] Hoyte is aware of the calibre of talent coming through at the Emirates under Wenger, but feels Johnson compares favourably with some of the best the Gunners have produced.[LNB] At Arsenal I came through with Theo Walcott, Jerome Thomas, Jermaine Pennant, David Bentley, there were quite a few wingers and he is quite similar to those, he is very direct, said Hoyte.[LNB] Adam has similar skills and his pace and directness in taking players on will make him a big player.[LNB] He plays every week now and that has given him the confidence to go out without fear. He is showing his great potential and he will only get better. That's great for him and it's great for the club to have a player like that.[LNB] Johnson's form has been monitored by many clubs and he has become a regular with the England Under-21s this season.[LNB] At Peterborough he turned provider for Dave Kitson's second goal of the match, before Posh equalised moments later.[LNB] Johnson, out of contract next summer meaning Sunderland are among a clutch of clubs looking to strike a deal for him in the new year, will be on the flank again at QPR on Saturday.[LNB] His performances are vital as Middlesbrough attempt to revive a season that has led to them dropping 11 points adrift of the Championship's automatic promotion places, having looked genuine contenders for automatic promotion in October.[LNB] Right-back Hoyte, who often marks him in training, suggested he knows how to prevent Johnson from reaching his best, but is not about to tell the rest of the division.[LNB] Adam has learned a lot from Stewart Downing, said Hoyte. Sometimes I have to fight him in training, but that's football. In training you can get away with it, but in matches you can't.[LNB] I have a way of stopping him but I cant tell you how, it will help other players. He is a very tough opponent for me.[LNB] Personally it's great to play against him in training.[LNB] When I come up against him it's really difficult, so I know what it must be like for the other players who come up against him with other teams.[LNB] I would be frightened. He is such a great player. He is such a great danger to have in the team.[LNB] Olivier Giroud, the French striker linked with a move to Boro over the weekend, has revealed he would relish a switch to England.[LNB] The FC Tours man, also interesting Celtic, said: I have always dreamt of playing in England and the Premier League. If there is a good opportunity I will think about it.[LNB] There could be temptations at Christmas.[LNB] Boro fans have a chance to get a range of merchandise signed with Sean St Ledger, Leroy Lita and Joe Bennett at the town centre club store tomorrow.[LNB] The Boro trio will be at the Captain Cook Square branch between 5pm and 6pm signing the 2010 club calendar and You Are My Boro Annual.[LNB] There will be another signing session on Friday, December 11 when Adam Johnson, Andrew Taylor and Danny Coyne will be at the town centre store between 4pm and 5pm.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo