Ryan Fredericks proved himself a diamond geezer last night as he doubled up with Vladimir Coufal on the pest known widely as Jack Grealish.
And it was a second big victory for our right back after seeing him and Villa off in the Championship play-off final of 2018.
Asked to take over from Jarrod Bowen the decision proved to be a master strole by the manager but which could onlyu have worked via top level performance from Vladi and Ryan.
There was obviously some needle going om out there but that’s to be expected when a fiery individual such as Grealish finds himself being pocketed by a couple of very good defenders.
It was a rare outing for the former Fulham defender who has been forced to play second fiddle to the brilliant Coufal but he came in, did a great job and showed how adept the manager is at using his squad.
“It was a bit of a change of position, but I’ve played there many a time, so it was nice to come in and help the boys and it was a good performance all round,” he told West Ham TV.
“Obviously Jack Grealish has created the most chances in the Premier League and he’s a very good player, so I came in to give Vladi a bit of help and we did good job doubling up.
“I think he went a spent a bit of time playing centrally and on the other side because he wasn’t really getting much of the ball, so we did our job.
“I tried to help the team on the other side of the game going forward with a few crosses, so we’re happy.”
He added: “We’ve had a few tussles over the years! I know what it’s like as a winger to have someone following you around and kicking at your heels, as Vladi was doing tonight, but with those sorts of players that’s what you’ve got to do!”
While Fredericks might not have played as much as he had hoped this season, for one reason or another, his last four starts have yielded seven Premier League points, an Emirates FA Cup win, three clean sheets and just one goal conceded, showing David Moyes he can be relied upon whenever he is required.
He admitted: “It’s been a strange old season. I was playing then pulled my hammy and Vlad has come in and has been brilliant and credit to him, he hasn’t put a foot wrong. I came in against Southampton and done alright, then I got COVID, so it’s been an up and down season!
“But, as a footballer, you always got to be ready to come in and play whenever you can. I’m not going to complain when I’m out of the team, but I want to be in the team and playing football, as every footballer does.”
I thought Fredericks did a really good job there and was very effective going forwards to the point that he should keep the position for the next game too.
The whole team performance was superb and everyone seemed in the right place and clicked.
We must have watched a different game, Coufal was truly magnificent and without him Grealish would have went to town, Fredericks played better in that position but it was Coufal who was outstanding so anyone that did not look at the game would think it was Fredericks. Fredericks was not the reason that Grealish movedwings, it was Coufal, an incredible player, the best right back in the PL. Fredericks is a very ordinary player and at least Moyes has realised he cannot be trusted at FB. I was disappointed to see Fredericks playing last night but he did well and I understood the managers thinking but going forward I would also prefer to see players like Bowen in the team.
Easy when there are two people marking one player huh 😏
Is that against your rules LOOOOOOL For God’s sake man – it’s called tactics you ungracious git LOOOOOL
Go back to Villa. Grealish looked pedestrian, sulked like someone had taken his candy. Two on one, where is the open player? Without Grealish, Villa are relegation material.
Lingard demonstrated how an attacking midfielder can play. Supsect Grealish learned a thing or two.
Villa fan here. West ham played well last night.deserved to win and look a good side.however in respect to grealish being” sorted out” the fact that it took 2 defenders at a time to contain is a compliment to his ability.maybe goes down a little too easy.but a marvellous talent
Not doubting his ability Alan, just attitude and it was something of a moyes masterstroke to take him out the game
If I’m not wrong not the first time Moyes has played two right backs or two left backs when playing against a tricky winger. Obviously he did it with masuaku and cresswell on the left but may have done it on the right before too even if it was only by way of bringing on Fredericks or the other chap as a substitute?
Not sure I would call that sorting out. Collectively Villa were poor, I thought we had more energy and a better game plan and better work ethic. We did a better job on them than we did at ours when we were lucky to get the 3 points but no doubting last nights results. Was surprised Villa did not change tactically earlier I know they hit the woodwork but so many of their better players like Barkley, Watkins Mcginn and half their team couldn’t pass the salt let alone the ball and the keeper had a mare. Grealish was quiet but still did an assist and if it was not for Dawsons block Watkins probably would have got a second and a second assist for Grealish. Loved Lingards energy and Soucek energy with class. Good result but not getting carried away especially seeing what Brighton did against Liverpool.
I think most would agree doubling up on him was sorting him out – agree to differ
Bowen has looked out of sorts recently and Fredericks did the job with Coufal. Fredericks may have lost the plot in the final 10 minutes but earned his oats.
Had Benrhama tracked back and done what Fredericks had been doing all night, AV might not have scored.
AV have three EPL players, Grealish, Luiz and Barclay. Ollie benefits from Grealish.