Felipe Anderson explains why West Ham fans have Javier Hernandez to thank for his form

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Felipe Anderson is fast becoming a Premier League star with West Ham United.

Manuel Pellegrini made the Brazilian West Ham’s record £40 million signing from Lazio in the summer.

West Ham started the season in disastrous fashion with four straight defeats.

And while Anderson’s quality was there for all to see he, like the team, struggled for any consistency.

What a difference a couple of months has made for the former Santos man and West Ham.

Anderson has developed into West Ham’s talisman.

Anderson in elite company

Goals, assists and supreme quality have established him as not only a West Ham star but officially the fourth best player in the Premier League so far in his debut season (Sky Sports).

Anderson is in elite company.

He only sits below leader Mohamed Salah, Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling in the rankings.

It often takes players a season to settle into the rough and tumble of the Premier League.

The flying attacker has been a quick learner, though.

Hernandez key to Anderson success

Rather than take the credit, though, Anderson has put his form down to teammate Javier Hernandez for helping him settle in East London.

“Since I arrived, Chicharito always treated me well,” Anderson told West Ham’s official website.

“He gave me his trust on the pitch, he always let me know that I could count on him to finish my moves and like that we developed a good feeling and that has been important.

“And also we have a very good relationship off the pitch.”

Credit to good apple Chicharito

It says a lot about Chicharito that despite not being in the team for much of the season he was a positive influence on Anderson.

Many players, particularly those who have a proven track record at the highest level like Hernandez, might have a negative impact on the dressing room if they are not playing.

Credit must also go to Pellegrini. Not only for identifying Anderson’s talent. But also for helping him to adapt quickly to life in England and setting up his side to get the best out of the playmaker.