Ryan Fredericks turned in an impressive performance for West Ham last night in the narrow defeat to Manchester City.
At The Etihad Stadium, West Ham held their own for most of the game and it was only a Sergio Aguero penalty that decided the contest.
The Hammers defended stoutly and Fredericks was a key part of the plan to keep Manchester City quiet.
Ryan Fredericks or Pablo Zabaleta?
The 26-year-old, who joined on a free transfer from Fulham last summer, had a slow start to life in East London.
But he has recovered from an injury to establish himself as a first-team regular now, even rising above Manuel Pellegrini favourite Pablo Zabaleta in the pecking order.
Zabaleta has been a good servant for the Irons but Fredericks’ youth and pace equipped him well to deal with Leroy Sane.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster made two tackles, two interceptions, one block and eight clearances against the Premier League champions (Who Scored).
And this could earn him a permanent place in the line-up with Zabaleta reduced to a bench role.
West Ham fans raved about Fredericks at the full-time whistle, despite the loss, and here are some of the best tweets.
https://twitter.com/Jay93944265/status/1100877080361910272
https://twitter.com/dondeccers/status/1100876169346453514
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