OPINION
West Ham right-back Ryan Fredericks was handed another hurdle to get over in regards to his first-team chances after Michail Antonio excelled against Cardiff City.
Fredericks is currently on the sidelines with an injury and can’t fulfil his duties of being first-choice cover to Pablo Zabaleta who at the age of 33-years-old can’t cope with the festive fixture build-up.
Due to this Manuel Pellegrini played Antonio as a right-back during the 3-1 victory over the Bluebirds and the 28-year-old arguably submitted his best league performance of the season so far.
Antonio dealt with the danger at the back he needed to, which in fairness wasn’t a lot, while being an asset for his side when pushing forward on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old, who earns £70,000-a-week at the London Stadium (Source: Spotrac), shone bright against the Bluebirds for that reason and made a case for why he should be considered an option on the right-side of defence.
As while he wasn’t put under tremendous pressure defensively, until he shows he can’t cope with that this season, then there is no reason to doubt his ability at right-back.
While Antonio is unlikely to dethrone Zabaleta from being first-choice, due to the player’s consistency and experience, his display and potential to wow in further outings in that position this season could knock Fredericks further down the pecking order.
The pacey 26-year-old, who joined from Fulham in the summer, has already struggled to feature this season for the Hammers as it is and only made four league appearances before getting injured.
Yet after Antonio excelled against Cardiff, then it seems the Hammers speed demon will have another hurdle to get over on his way to the first team in the form of his teammate upon being declared fit.
