There’s no doubting that having two-time Premier League winner Pablo Zabaleta as a regular member of the West Ham side improves the toughness and experience of the Hammers starting XI, but the 33-year-old Argentine is by no means cut out to be the marauding wing-back David Moyes currently expects of him.
Speed is not Zabaleta’s forte, though, so should Moyes stay in the summer he will be looking to sign a speedy full-back who will be able to provide support down the wing in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
Sam Byram has seemed to be the heir-in-waiting for the Argentine’s position since his £4.3m move from Leeds United in 2016, but the 24-year-old has made just four appearances in the league in an injury hit 2017/18 campaign. He took the field for 18 league games last season, but the jury is out on whether he will ever be able to be West Ham’s long-term right-back.
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There are other options for the Hammers, namely Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks who has been making a name for himself in the Championship this year. With eight assists to his name, Fredericks has consistently been the Whites’ best player on the pitch this season.
Valued at £3.6m by transfermarkt.com, he could be a bargain buy for a West Ham side who might be looking to make a move in the full-back department in the summer.
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So, Hammers fans, is Fredericks the real replacement for Zabaleta? Have your say by voting below…