By Alex Beard

23rd Jan, 2020 | 3:54pm

Ex Hammer takes aim at big West Ham 'disappointment'

West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson has had a tough time of things this season, both in terms of his form and his recent injury.

The Brazil international was ruled out for a month earlier this week, ending a spell in the team that otherwise seemingly would never have concluded despite his indifferent form this campaign.

The former Lazio man was a real favourite of former manager Manuel Pellegrini’s, and seemingly of new boss David Moyes, as well.

However, one man who isn’t a fan of the 26-year-old is former Hammers striker Steve Jones.

“Anderson has been really disappointing this year, I think he’s only got one goal and one assist compared to last year with nine goals and double figures in assists. Everything is sideways and backwards for him,” he told Love Sport Radio.

“I’ve seen him a few times at home one on one and he goes sideways rather than taking the ball and carrying it into the box and driving it at people which with his skill and pace would cause numerous problems like it did last year – he hasn’t done it this year.

“Hopefully David Moyes has got a couple [of] players in the transfer window with pace that he’s going to look at.”

Is Jones being too harsh, here?

Not really, no. Anderson has underperformed compared to last season, there’s little question of that.

Jones isn’t quite correct on the Brazilian’s assist count from last season – it was four, not double figures – but he did get nine goals, compared with one goal and four assists this campaign. Numbers clearly aren’t the ex West Ham man’s strong suit…

Still, he’s not provided the cutting edge that he did last time out. Anderson has all the ability in the world, but he’s appeared reluctant to utilise it at times. Hopefully that changes once he’s back fit again.

In other West Ham news, the club are reported to be seriously considering making a move for a £12million-rated midfielder.