West Ham United have managed to lift themselves out of the bottom of the points table after a disastrous start to the season as the new manager David Moyes, is finally getting the team to play some exciting football. They are still only four points away from the drop zone and have a lot of work to do, to end this season on a high.
They have already added a couple of smart players to their squad after the turn of the year but are still not convinced with the options at their disposal. This has seen Moyes scout for some more names and one name they are reportedly close to signing at the end of the season is Ryan Fredericks.
A product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy, Fredericks was not able to impress enough to break into the first team at White Hart Lane and was shipped off to Bristol, after three loan stints, back in 2015. Just months later, he returned back to London, where he managed to establish himself in the first team at Craven Cottage.
He has already made 127 Championship appearances, where he has picked up 13 assists but is out of a contract at the end of the season. He is not expected to sign a new deal and is open to talking to potential suitors and there were a number of clubs interested in his services even in January.
However, a reliable source in an ex-West Ham employee has now revealed that the Hammers are in advanced talks with the 25-year old and are set to land him before the start of the next season. But what will he bring to London Stadium?
A right-back by trait, who can also put in a shift at left-back, Fredericks is a technically gifted footballer, who loves to have the ball at his feet. He is confident with his dribbling and passing and is effective in the final third, with his crosses and quick passes, that can frustrate and damage even the best of defences.
He is strong in his hold up and though is caught out in the air at times, is more than capable of holding the fort at the back. He is quick to make interceptions and rarely gives fouls away and at 25, will get better, playing around players of better quality.
The Hammers currently have Pablo Zabaleta as the first choice right-back with very little backups. Edimilson Fernandes and Sam Byram have done well but Zabaleta is now 33 and needs a long-term replacement and Fredericks is a decent choice.
If he can cement his place in the first team for years to come is a question only time can answer.
