By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings
Has ‘Moyes the Magician’ done it again? Has the manager pulled another rabbit from the hat in the shape of Ryan Fredericks playing right wing-back – the Ying to Vladimir Coufal’s Yang?
Is this another re-invention of a player who has only really been on the fringes of the first team so far this season?
David Moyes doing with Fredericks what he did with such success with Arthur Masuaku – finding an important and effective role for him within this evolving squad?
Moyes surprised us all with Fredericks’ inclusion in the starting line-up for the game against Aston Villa.
The ‘experts’ on the stream I was watching had him down as playing right back, with Coufal operating ahead of him.
But that was never going to happen. The manager was well aware of the threat posed by Jack Grealish – who likes to operate on the Villa left – and was always going to opt for the more experienced and resolute defending of Coufal, using Fredericks as an added insurance defensively, but utilising Ryan’s pace as an attacking threat going forward.
It worked to perfection. Grealish had a frustrating night – and as a result Villa’s most potent attacking threat was nullified.
No-one is suggesting Fredericks is about to displace Jarrod Bowen, given a break last night, on the right flank. Jarrod is too much of a Moyes man for that, having been instrumental in the way the team have performed so effectively this season.
He will always be the main man on that side for most games because of his attacking and creative threat. But Fredericks has shown he can provide another valuable option in this fixture-crowded season.
Can understand why Fredericks was useful against Villa but what it also meant that the likes of Formals, Bowen, Lanzini and Yarmalenko are now fresh and available for Saturday.. This could mean a break for the likes of Antonio, Soucek and Benrahma before Tuesdays cup game.
Sorry sir. I found Frederick’s inclusion very shocking indeed, esp knowing it’s not his known position.
Throughout the match, it left me on edge, as Ryan looked lost without the ball. He is not a good tackler, just like Cresswell. Going forward, he looked real good, but was not sure about the rest.
Frankly, I think Johnson or Fornals should have been given that spot against Aston Villa.
Other than that, the collective effort (including Ryan’s) was outstanding and contributed to a great evening and wonderful win.
Well done all. We appreciate. God bless.
Agree with you Simon, as a one off fine but he didn’t do that much and looked lost for the first 30 mins.
Johnson would have done just a good a job. Would probably score too.
A brilliant piece of management by Moyes, if Fredericks can fill that role when required,
I would think that it will mean that Yamolenko’s days are well and truly numbered.
Great to have options Alan.