It is no exaggeration to say that West Ham winger Felipe Anderson struggled for form last season. In fact, he really was very poor. Especially after Premier League action resumed in June.
In other news…Report: Moyes has told West Ham owners Sullivan and Gold that 26-y/o is top transfer target
There has been plenty of talk recently suggesting that the 27-year-old Brazilian could be on his way out of the London Stadium.
According to a report from Football.London, David Moyes is prepared to sell the speedy winger for around £30 million this summer.
The Daily Star have also claimed that Anderson has been offered to Lazio and Napoli.
It would be a shame to give up on such a talented player after just two years, however.
Sure, the 27-year-old needs to work harder and put in more effort on the pitch, but he has the basic ingredients needed to be a real success for West Ham.
And we think one player could unlock the South American’s potential next season – Brentford ace Rico Henry.
Hammers insiders Claret and Hugh claimed last week that Moyes could be prioritising a £10 million move for the 23-year-old left-back this summer.
Stats
Henry played every single league game for Brentford last season, and all three of the Bees’ play-off games. In those 49 outings, he racked up three assists and averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game (Who Scored).
The 23-year-old is obviously very highly rated at Griffin Park, with Brentford boss Thomas having described him as ‘amazing’ (Richmond and Twickenham Times).
It is obvious to see for anyone who watched Brentford last season just how good Rico Henry is. He is a very strong tackler, has great positional awareness, and has a superb knack of timing his overlapping runs to perfection.
Basically all strengths that current West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell does not possess.
Felipe Anderson spends more time helping out the 30-year-old defensively than he does influencing games in the final third.
The Brazilian needs a proper left-back playing behind him. And perhaps Henry is the man for the job.
£10 million would be a small price to pay to help Anderson flourish. The 27-year-old could still be a great player for the Hammers.
Let’s hope we don’t give up on him too soon. The arrival of Rico Henry at the London Stadium this summer might just enable the South American to strut his stuff once again next season.
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