OPINION
West Ham United right-back Ryan Fredericks has not had the best start to life since arriving from Fulham in the summer, has he?
He plays the first few games – his debut coming against Liverpool, where it is safe to say he was not at his best – then he gets injured and is ruled out for a few months.
The summer signing is on the brink of a return to action, but he must realise that a spot in the starting XI is not guaranteed, especially when you have the likes of veteran defender Pablo Zabaleta not putting a foot wrong.
The ex Manchester City player has been consistent all season and has duly earned his label as Manuel Pellegrini’s first choice right-back – something which Fredericks will have to something to say about, obviously.
If he wants to force his way into Pellegrini’s plans once again following his return from injury, then he will need to prove it – and that means having to play out of his skin.
A place on the bench is his most likely destination for the remainder of the season if he does not show that he is up to scratch – something which he undoubtedly does not want happen anytime soon.
He did not spend time on the sidelines recovering just to accept a fringe role at the club, but he will have to do a lot to demonstrate that he is worthy of a place ahead of Zabaleta.
The 5ft 11in [Transfermarkt] ace does have the potential to do great things at West Ham – he did show signs of promise in the few games he has played – so he must unleash his talent as soon as possible.
He needs to start playing out of his skin with the opportunities he could be given, or he will be watching his teammate with envy from the bench.
