Benson Lives The Dream

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Midfielder hurt by result but ready to learn from the best in the business

2020-11-28T18:00:00.000Z

Benson Lives The Dream

Midfielder hurt by result but ready to learn from the best in the business

2020-11-28T18:00:00.000Z

Midfielder who joined from Arsenal in 2018 and got his first taste of senior football with the Clarets

Josh Benson is hungry for more after making an impressive Premier League debut at the home of the former champions.

It could have been a baptism of fire for Benson after injuries in the Clarets’ camp led to a first top-flight appearance for the midfielder.

But despite a fourth successive 5-0 defeat for Burnley at Manchester City, Benson could leave the Etihad Stadium with his head held high.

The 20-year-old never looked out of his depth and revelled in the chance to play on the big stage after getting the nod to replace the injured Josh Brownhill.

“You’ve just got to keep working hard and be ready,” said Benson, who made three appearances in the League Cup earlier this season – including one from the bench against City - before returning to duty in the U23s.

It's A Premier League Hat-Trick - Image 3

“It’s a dream come true and everything I’ve worked for my whole life, me and my family.

“It’s a brilliant achievement for myself. I’m just gutted about the result.

“If I want to stay in the team, I’ve got to give it my all and be confident out there.

“I can’t shy away from the ball. I want to be on the ball as much as possible but there are still areas I can work on.

“They are a top side and it’s a good learning experience for me.

“I’m feeling more confident every training session and the boys have welcomed me in.

“I’ve got to keep working and trying to impress the gaffer and do the best I can.”

PL REPORT: Manchester City 5 Burnley 0 - Image 1

Benson – who enjoyed an excellent loan spell with Grimsby Town last season before Covid curtailed the League Two campaign – was only inches away from marking his first Premier League appearance with a goal as his 20-yard free-kick was deflected wide off the defensive wall early in the second half.

The Clarets, who also gave a league debut to goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell in place of the injured Nick Pope, were enjoying their best spell of the game at the time.

But City then hit them again with a quick-fire double as Riyad Mahrez completed his hat-trick to put the Clarets’ recovery on hold after taking four points from the previous two games with back-to-back clean sheets.

“They are a top side but within ourselves we think we can do a bit better than that. We need to get our heads straight and go onto next week,” added Benson, who staked his claim to be involved when Everton visit Turf Moor on Saturday.