Can West Ham trust Ryan Fredericks next season?

After joining West Ham United from Fulham FC on a free transfer, Ryan Fredericks showed a lot of promise last season. However, with the right back’s injury problems, along with a lack of depth at the position, has Fredericks done enough to show Manuel Pellegrini he can carry the load of a full Premier League season?

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Last season despite only appearing in 15 Premier League matches for the Hammers, Ryan Fredericks showed an immense amount of promise. The 26-year-old fullback’s game relies on his blistering pace and his ability to attack. Sadly for many West Ham fans, we were robbed of seeing the true potential of Frederick’s last season. He missed almost a quarter of the season with an ankle injury as well as splitting time with Pablo Zabaleta. With the right-back position looking very thin with just Fredericks and an aging Zabaleta, the main question for many West Ham fans and Pellegrini has to be, can Fredericks stay healthy?

West Ham has been looking at many different areas of their squad to strengthen in the transfer window thus far. An attacking midfielder has already been signed, with one or two strikers sure to come in at some point. I’m sure that the right back position is one that Pellegrini believes he can trust. Although both Zabaleta and Fredericks looked shaky at times last season, overall those two players should be able to hold their own. That all changes, however, if Fredericks simply cannot stay on the pitch.

Pablo Zabaleta has been a massive signing for West Ham and his done incredibly well during his time with the club. However, he does turn 35 in January, and towards the end of the last Premier League campaign, it was clear to see he is simply not the player he used to be. He should not be starting every game at his age. If Fredericks is able to remain fit, Pellegrini could use Zabaleta for the majority of the cup games to keep Fredericks fresh for the Premier League season. If not, West Ham might have to look to the transfer market for fullback help.

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Every West Ham fan should be excited for what Ryan Fredericks will do next season. A young, lightning-quick, and attacking-minded fullback is every manager’s dream. Should he stay fit, I predict a breakout season for the English-born right back and expect him to thrive in Pellegrini’s system. I trust Ryan Fredericks, and as fans, we must believe he can stay fit. However, should he pick up another knock, I would not be surprised if Pellegrini and Husillos addressed the position in the transfer market.