JOHNSON PLEASED WITH HIS ATTACKING OUTPUT IN 2023/24

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U18s winger reflects on first full-time season

2024-06-12T15:00:00.000Z

JOHNSON PLEASED WITH HIS ATTACKING OUTPUT IN 2023/24

U18s winger reflects on first full-time season

2024-06-12T15:00:00.000Z

U18s winger reflects on first full-time season

2023/24 was Zach Johnson’s first in full-time football, but his relationship with the Clarets is now at the 10-year stage.

The youngster joined Burnley’s pre-Academy as a seven-year-old, playing in the old building situated next to Turf Moor.

Johnson has since risen through the age groups, where training is two or three times a week, before signing a two-year scholarship last summer.

“It was a bit hard to get used to at the start”, said Johnson, referring to being a full-time footballer.

“We’re training most days now, which is quite tough physically and mentally because you’ve got to be mentally prepared for anything that might happen throughout the season.”

The Merseysider, who commonly operates on the right of the forward line, enjoyed a successful season in front of goal, providing 15 goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

“I’d describe myself as a creator of goals who likes to drift around the pitch and help the team”, he continued.

JOHNSON PLEASED WITH HIS ATTACKING OUTPUT IN 2023/24 - Image 1

“As a first team player you need to be hitting good numbers every season, so to be starting on a good footing at U17s level is pleasing.

“This season I’ve been working on knowing when to play and how many touches to take.

“I’m still developing physically and coming up against some bigger, older players, so I need to know when to play fast and when to keep hold of it for the team.”

Johnson was involved in the U18s’ run to the FA Youth Cup fifth round, netting what he describes as a ‘tap-in’ to open the scoring against Birmingham City in the third round.

The winger also featured off the bench during the U21s’ final day trip to Barnsley.

Looking ahead to the summer and next season, Johnson finished: “I’ll have a bit of a chill before getting myself back in the gym, running and working hard so that I can come back flying again.

“As an U18s team we’d love to be around the top of the table again and, personally, I’d like to start contributing to the U21s if possible.”