Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks was superb against Villa

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Fulham defeated Aston Villa 2-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Fulham right-back Ryan Fredericks showed exactly why Premier League clubs are looking at him with interest, as he put in another superb performance during his side’s 2-0 win over promotion rivals Aston Villa.

A report in the Daily Mirror during the January transfer window cited West Ham United as keen admirers of the former Bristol City man, and on recent evidence the Hammers may have competition for his signature.

Fredericks is proving himself to be one of the best full-backs outside the Premier League, and his latest performance against promotion-chasing Villa further illustrated his ability to make the step up.

As shown in the table provided by Opta Stats, Fredericks put in an excellent defensive shift while also contributing greatly to Fulham’s attacking threat as he proved a real menace on the overlap.

The 25-year-old contributed with two tackles, three interceptions, three ball recoveries, four effective clearances and seven duels, but it was his attacking threat that really stood out.

It is worth taking into account Villa’s form heading in to the clash at Craven Cottage as the Villans had won seven straight Championship matches and on the road they had kept three straight clean sheets.

But Fulham were always going to pose a problem, and boss Slavisa Jokanovic implores his full-backs to attack at any given opportunity, allowing the Cottagers to really stretch their opponents and create space.

Fredericks’ three chances created were only bettered by attacking winger Floyd Ayite, and the reported West Ham target set Fulham on their way by assisting Ryan Sessegnon for the opener just after half time.

Fulham will not want to lose the talented full-back this summer, regardless of what division they are in, but the January arrival of Republic of Ireland international right-back Cyrus Christie suggests they are at least prepared for his possible departure.