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West Ham signing this 29-year-old Premier League should be an absolute no-brainer in wake of Fredericks’ injury

Why West Ham must make a move for Ezequiel Schelotto in January

According to a report from the Argus, Brighton right-back Ezequiel Schelotto could leave the club in January.

Ezequiel Schelotto, 29, was heavily involved at Brighton last season after joining from Portuguese club Sporting CP. He played 23 games across all competitions in the 2017/18 campaign, rotating well with veteran Bruno Saltor for the right-back position.

However, the 29-year-old defender has not played a single game for the Seagulls this season and remains completely out of favour under manager Chris Hughton. Hughton has preferred Martin Montoya and Bruno Saltor ahead of Schelotto so far and now has opened the door wide open for the 29-year-old to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.

With Schelotto unlikely to get much action on the pitch for Brighton, West Ham must make a move for him in January.

West Ham have lost Ryan Fredericks to a shin injury and the defender and will miss the rest of 2018. Fredericks was signed on a free transfer from Fulham earlier in summer to provide cover for the 33-year-old Pablo Zabaleta but an injury to him ahead of the festive period has left the Hammers with a serious problem in defence.

Pablo Zabaleta is the only other option available at right-back but with the Argentine turning 33 earlier this year, it is very difficult for him to play in every game in December. But Manuel Pellegrini has no option for now and should prioritise signing a right-back in January.

Out of favour Brighton star, Ezequiel Schelotto would fit the bill perfectly at West Ham. Schelotto is an aggressive full-back, renowned for his speed, agility, work-rate and energy.

He is an excellent dribbler and the one-time Italy international can offer a lot in the attack as well as in defending. Tough on the tackle, the former Inter Milan man possesses a decent technique and is an intelligent reader of the game.

Ezequiel Schelotto

Schelotto can also be deployed on the left or in an advanced role as a winger. Excellent in defensive work at right-back, the 29-year-old is good at marauding down the right flank to help in the attack and can also make key passes in the final third.

Furthermore, he is a good crosser of the ball and for a side like West Ham, the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez could stand to benefit from Schelotto’s support from the right flank.

Read more: West Ham should shell out £10m and sign this Premier League midfielder to improve cohesion in the final third

Signing Schelotto would be a brilliant move from West Ham as he’d offer healthy competition for Pablo Zabaleta as well as add much-needed depth to the Hammers’ squad.