Veteran right back Zabaleta would have been expecting a back up roll this season after West Ham signed Fredericks. But it seems Pellegrini has faith in his old guard.
When West Ham got their win at the weekend, it was a huge relief. The team largely picked itself, and one that would have been a surprise at the start of the season was that of Zabaleta. However I don’t think there are many fans who would want him dropped from the stating XI now. Even if Fredericks would have him on toast in a 50m sprint.
Zabaleta has proven over the past year that he is still a Premier League quality player. He puts his all into every challenge and the passion he shows in both victory and defeat is amazing. To still love the game as much as he does after all these years of playing is a great credit to him. And his ability to lead at the back is what is cementing his place.
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Comparing options
When comparing Fredericks and Zabaleta, the only thing that is similar is their desire to help out at the attacking end of the pitch as well. Zaba is a Premier League veteran, this is Fredericks’ first season. Fredericks is probably one of the paciest players in the league, Zaba is certainly slowing. So choosing between them is a big choice. Not a simple like for like.
However the rest of the back line is also very youthful and inexperienced in the Premier League. So Zabaleta acts as a natural leader in the position and, having played with a Pellegrini high line before, has better natural positioning. In a side that was struggling for anything positive, stability was priced above an explosive option.
With Zaba on the pitch I think the side acts more professionally and takes the game more seriously. You can see the way he commands respect, and it helps to have ‘mini-leaders’. With Noble in midfield, Zaba is in charge at the back and Arnie is the commander up front. It just helps each part of the team work well.
I have no doubt that we will see Fredericks return to the side soon, but I think Zabaleta is the Hammers’ right back of choice for now. Why shouldn’t he be? Until the missing ingredient is a bit of pace at the back, Zabaleta is the more complete player. Bringing Fredericks back in to a back line still finding their feet could cause disruption at the wrong time.