It’s fair to say that a few eyebrows have been raised by West Ham’s spending this summer. Many Hammers fans would say that it’s been long overdue and their entitled to have a bit of fun and who am I to disagree! Felipe Anderson, if I’m not mistaken, was the guilty party when it came to West Ham shattering their transfer record. The versatile forward arrived for a cool €38,000,000 and while some would argue that is the going rate nowadays, I’d be inclined to disagree. Felipe Anderson showed fantastic form last year in Serie A with Lazio, averaging a goal or assist ever 104 minutes, however, he’s not done much else apart from that. It might be the cynic in me, but I think Pellegrini might have made the wrong call on this one.
Player Profile
As you can see from the above image (merci, WyScout) one of Felipe Anderson’s biggest attributes is his ability to play anywhere across the front line. In many respects, that will be a nightmare for whoever is in the opposing dugout to Pellegrini as Felipe Anderson could be utilised practically anywhere. Such is the way of life, eh! Personally speaking, if I found myself managing a side against West Ham next season, I would stick someone on Anderson, period. If he goes to the bathroom, follow him. Don’t give him room to breathe.
Comparison
I’m still trying to comprehend this. West Ham have signed someone from Lazio, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. What on earth is going on and how do I get out of this alternate reality? Before we get moving on with the comparisons, no, I have no idea why Lanzini and Antonio don’t have pictures! You’ll have to ask Squawka about that. I’ve tried to mix and match what we’re looking at to the best of my ability as the players are all unique in their own sort of way.
We shall begin with shooting accuracy. It’s not the best of starts for Felipe. He is the only player under 50% – Michail Antonio the clear winner of this one with 65%. Put it this way, you wouldn’t want the last chance of the game to fall to Felipe Anderson. He comes into his element when it comes to key passes. 0.5 ahead of third-placed Lanzini shows Felipe’s eye for a pass. This does just that as well, the assist counter. Now, we are looking at stats per ninety-minutes as Lanzini played nearly 1,000 more minutes than Felipe. I’m all about fair play, you know how it goes.
Our last comparison, as you can see, is all to do with successful take ons. Wilshere wins this one with Felipe Anderson in second, although the Brazilian is almost 17% behind Wilshere. So, there you have it, that’s how Felipe Anderson compares to four of his new teammates.
One More Thing
I’m going to use a word I used in the first paragraph in the last, also. Cynic. While I think Felipe Anderson has the raw ability to be a success in England, I don’t think he will. I haven’t got any concrete reasoning behind what I’m saying, it’s just my gut telling me that. So, if I was a betting man and luckily I am, I’d be having a bet on Felipe Anderson lining up for a Serie A side next season. Inter Milan. You heard it here first.
Until the next time.
