‘Trust me’ – Exclusive: McAvennie doesn’t see Anderson playing for West Ham again
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie cannot see Felipe Anderson playing for West Ham again after it was reported the Brazilian might return to London in January.
Anderson, 27, joined Porto on a season-long loan in October but has made just two appearances for the Portuguese giants – both as a substitute – and not been included in either of their last two matchday squads in the league.
Portuguese newspaper Record reported last month that Brazilian forward Hulk could return to Porto in January and if that happens, Anderson’s loan deal may be terminated.
Porto manager Sergio Conceicao has questioned Anderson’s worth-ethic at Estadio do Dragao and now, McAvennie has claimed there might not be a place in David Moyes’ squad for the Brazilian if he does return in January.
“If he was playing well, Porto would want to keep him. Trust me,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
When asked if he sees Anderson playing for the Hammers again, the ex-Scotland striker said: “I wouldn’t think so. He’s not one of David Moyes’ players.
“He’s over there with a chance to play in Portugal – Porto’s a good side – and he’s not done it for them.
“You’ve got to question where his head is at. Whoever’s looking after him has got to get a hold of him because he’s a good player.
“His work-rate and his heart have been questioned but there’s no question about his ability.”
Anderson joined West Ham for £35million in 2018 but he only showed that he was worth that much in flashes.
The former Lazio attacker blew hot and cold at the London Stadium and as soon as Moyes replaced Manuel Pellegrini, it was obvious that he’d struggle under the Scot.
While we acknowledge that hindsight is a wonderful thing, McAvennie makes the point that Anderson simply isn’t a Moyes player.
If the 27-year-old’s loan spell at Porto is terminated early, we would be surprised to see him included in Moyes’ plans for the second half of the season.
In other West Ham news, Trevor Sinclair has been blown away by Vladimir Coufal’s impact at the London Stadium.