West Brom boast the third-best defensive record in the league with 37 goals conceded in 37 games, and Sam Johnstone has been key to that with 10 clean sheets, but that hasn’t prevented him from receiving abuse online.
The goalkeeper signed in summer 2018 and had the difficult task of replacing Ben Foster. The Watford keeper had played for the Baggies for seven years in the Premier League and consistently proved to be a top-level keeper, as his playing time for the Hornets also suggests.
However, Johnstone hasn’t done a lot wrong this term and doesn’t really warrant the criticism he is facing, particularly when the team is performing so well.
The 26-year-old is a big part of that, too. He organises those in front of him and although Semi Ajayi may be picking up the plaudits, much of his good work also comes down to Johnstone.
Some supporters have realised that and have duly praised the shot-stopper, and hopefully he will feel encouraged by such remarks.
If he continues his form then he should help Albion back into the Premier League, and that prospect promises to be a real challenge for the former Aston Villa goalie as he has never played in the top division before.
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Some amongst the Baggies fanbase doubt his ability to step up and perform consistently in the top-flight, but he should use that as motivation to improve and show his worth once more.
Alongside that there has been more general criticism of Johnstone, with some pinpointing the faults in his game such as his poor command of his penalty box.
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