West Ham United defender Ryan Fredericks has established himself as Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s first choice at right-back.
Fredericks has been left back with West Ham’s squad over the international break, as he is not part of the England squad.
And Fredericks claims that there is a misconception that training while players are away with their countries is easy.
“It’s been really tough,” the West Ham full-back said. “I think people get the perception that the international lads go away and we’re just out there playing head tennis or taking it easy, but that’s definitely not the case.
“The hardest sessions were the ones at the end of last week. The manager has drilled us into us that we’ve started well, but we still have loads of work to do.”
Fredericks has become West Ham’s first choice right-back this season, after a strong back end to last campaign.
The £40,000-a-week defender (Spotrac) struggled in his first season at West Ham last term, but has grown into his role.
Fredericks is now picked regularly over Pablo Zabaleta, who appears to be his main competition for a place at right-back.
The rapid full-back will be hoping to carry on his good form after the international break, with West Ham’s first game back coming against Aston Villa on Monday evening.
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