Ryan Fredericks believes full-backs’ attacking contributions are as important as their defensive strengths in the modern-day game.
West Ham United’s speedy No24 kicked-off his own career as a schoolboy right winger before switching to his now accustomed right-back role as a young professional at his first club, Tottenham Hotspur.
A decade on, Fredericks is renowned for his forward-thinking style of play, with his pace and willingness to add to his team’s options in the final third.
Since the start of the 2020/21 season, West Ham’s five senior full-backs – Fredericks, Vladimír Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, Arthur Masuaku and Ben Johnson – have provided 24 assists and scored five goals in the Premier League, illustrating their value to the Hammers at the attacking end of the pitch.
And the Hammersmith-born flyer believes their offensive output will only grow going forward – no pun intended.
It’s always incredible to play for West Ham. I think you get caught up in things sometimes
Ryan Fredericks
“I think the way that full-backs contribute goals and assists is just the way the game has developed,” he told Saturday’s Official Programme for the Premier League visit of Newcastle United.
“Not a lot of full-backs stay in their own half these days, or are asked to just defend for 90 minutes. Every full-back now wants to get forward, create chances and make assists. “They’re almost like the new wingers now. Wingers these days often play inside, and then full-backs play like wingers.”
Fredericks has made a big impact in his own career, assisting 22 goals and scoring three himself in 211 appearances as a right-back for Tottenham, Brentford, Millwall, Middlesbrough, Bristol City, Fulham and, since summer 2018, West Ham.
“I became a full-back a long time ago, when I was at Tottenham Hotspur as a kid, under Tim Sherwood, Chris Ramsey and Les Ferdinand,” he explained.
“All my coaches there saw what I was doing on the wing – keeping wide and always moving up and down – and said: ‘Yeah, we think you’ll be perfectly suited for the new mould of full-backs who are coming into the game now. We think that role would be perfect for you’.
“Thankfully, it’s done me well!”
Fredericks’ standout moment of the season so far came at Old Trafford, where his low cross was converted by Manuel Lanzini to secure a 1-0 EFL Cup third-round win.
Since then, a combination of competition for places and injuries have restricted his appearances, but the 29-year-old is fit and ready for action should he be called upon for Saturday’s Premier League fixture with Newcastle United at London Stadium.
“Everyone wants to play, and when I’ve played this season, I feel like I’ve done well,” he observed.
“Obviously, I always want to play more games, but all you can do is come in and try and play well when your opportunity arrives.
“It’s always incredible to play for West Ham. I think you get caught up in things sometimes.
“As the years go by you can take it for granted a little bit, but especially when you see the youngsters coming in, and how hard they work to get a game, it makes you really appreciate it again.”