WHZ View: Anderson could prove West Ham value and offer Moyes transfer relief
Felipe Anderson was once West Ham’s most expensive signing before his fall from grace, and he could prove to be a key January boost to the side if they cannot bring in new recruits.
Anderson is currently in the middle of a season-long loan deal at Porto but has endured a miserable campaign so far in Portugal, making just four appearances and only two in the Primeira Liga.
He has failed to even make it into the Porto squad for the last four games and as a result West Ham are reportedly looking to recall the 27-year-old (the Guardian) to protect his dwindling value, and could loan him out again before selling permanently in the summer.
However, in a side shorn of creative options, could the Hammers do worse than biting the bullet and handing him a first team reprieve?
Manager David Moyes is reportedly after a midfielder with Christian Eriksen linked to the club.
Anderson played five times for the Hammers this season before his Porto switch, coming on as a late sub in their first two Premier League games against Newcastle United and Arsenal either side of a League Cup goal against Charlton Athletic.
His last appearance featured an assist for Robert Snodgrass in their 4-1 thrashing to Everton on September 30, a match that many would have expected to be his last for the club.
It still might be, but with limited resources and the difficulties that the January market annually possesses, Moyes might be wise to throw Anderson a West Ham lifeline and integrate him back into his set-up for the rest of the season.
Anderson scored nine Premier League goals in his maiden campaign for the Hammers and also registered four assists as he hit the ground running.
Last season proved to be trickier for the Brazilian as he managed only one goal, although he did match his assist tally in less than half of the minutes he was afforded in 2018/19.
Per Wyscout, his tally of 258 dribbles in that debut season was bettered by only four Premier League players.
That was not a trait that was lost from his game last season either, as he actually made more dribbles per game than 2018/19 (2.5 compared to 2.1, per WhoScored).
With West Ham currently posting a lowly 376 dribbles so far this season (Wyscout), which is the fourth lowest in the division, a recall for their former dribbling star could prove a masterstroke in helping to instil more drive and creativity in the side.
Anderson has generally preferred playing off the left hand side but he has also featured in a central attacking role in the past, notably for Italian giants Lazio before his move to England.
So, as well as providing depth and competition to Said Benrahma on the wing, Anderson could also present an interesting option for Moyes as he bids to solve a problem position for the Hammers.
Benrahma lined up in a no 10 position against Everton on Friday to limited effect, while captain Mark Noble also played there in consecutive December games against Chelsea and Brighton, where he struggled massively.
With his contract expiring in June 2022, time is running out for West Ham to maximise Anderson’s value and sell him before he eyes the lucrative status of free agency next year.
But, if Anderson is being recalled to be loaned straight back out until the summer, Moyes should reconsider and offer him the chance to force his way back into the side.
In other West Ham news, our view on the stats that show this Hammer is among the leading players in his position.