Ryan Fredericks has ensured Manuel Pellegrini doesn't need to spend a load of money on a new right back this summer after putting in a man of the match display against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
Marko Arnautovic was given the award by the sponsors during the 3-0 win in east London but according to the numbers, Fredericks put in a perfect display, getting a rating of 10 from the chaps at data analysts Whoscored.
Fredericks capped off his fine performance by scoring the third goal of the afternoon as the Hammers eased to victory over a poor Saints side who had secured Premier League survival the week before.
The former Fulham man has put in two excellent displays in his last two games and is likely to have nailed down the number one spot at right back for the start of next season, providing he stays injury free which has been an issue for him this season.
Fredericks excels, Arnautovic's redemption & defence improves - West Ham talking points
Fredericks missed four months of the campaign with a shin injury and he himself admitted that it's not been the easiest first season in claret and blue after making a free transfer from Fulham.
And if Pellegrini needed reminding, here are Fredericks's stats from Saturday's win:
100% take-ons completed
100% aerial duels won
100% tackles won 1
0 aerial duels
West Ham player ratings vs Southampton: Arnautovic clinical and Fredericks superb in 3-0 win
7 recoveries
4 take-ons
4 tackles
4 clearances
4 fouls won
2 interceptions
2 shots
1 goal
1 clean sheet 0 fouls conceded
Carroll saying goodbye, the ref falls over & bonkers weather - West Ham moments missed
The defender himself said after the game:"I made a very slow start by my standards this season, I got in the team, wasn't doing too well, came out of the team and then got injured.
"I was out for four months but since I've come back the manager has been good to me. I've played a few games and hopefully I've shown him that he doesn't have to go out and spend a fortune on another right back."
Even if Pellegrini didn't need reminding of Fredericks abilities, the defender has given his manager a gently nudge. With Pablo Zabaleta staying for another season and Ben Johnson coming through from the academy, alongside Fredericks the Hammers may well be sorted for some time in that position.
Grady Diangana scouting report: Winger starts brightly but fades as West Ham see of Saints
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
