According to Daily Mail, Felipe Anderson is one of many attackers Liverpool are keeping an eye on this summer. The Reds are keen to bolster their attack after a successful season, with the West Ham attacker identified as one of the candidates.
Anderson has enjoyed a terrific debut campaign in the Premier League after arriving from Lazio for a fee of £34 million last summer. And his departure could serve as a massive blow for the Hammers as they aim to make a mark in the English top flight next season.
Anderson’s successful campaign at West Ham
As iterated earlier, Anderson has played a critical role in West Ham’s promising campaign under Manuel Pellegrini this term. The Brazilian was involved in as many as 15 goals in all competition – making him the joint most productive player for the Hammers during the 2018/19 campaign.
Anderson initially started the season on a steady note, failing to score in any of his first six league games. But, his chance creation ability coupled with his excellent offensive productivity, made him a key component in the West Ham attack. He was notably involved in eight goals from early November to the end of December. The Irons won six games during that period.
One of the things that made Anderson an ideal fit under Pellegrini is his style of play. Unlike any typical winger, the 26-year-old likes to cut-in and operate in a more central role, where he can open up both sides of the pitch. And his tendency to act as an inverted winger allowed Pellegrini’s overlapping fullbacks to make runs in behind the backline.
Why should West Ham keep hold of Anderson this summer?
West Ham are sure to face problems in the attacking department next season. The likes of Lucas Perez, Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez have all struggled to deliver, either due to injury or lack of form. As a result, at least two of those three players are probably leaving the London Stadium this summer.
That leaves them with Marko Arnautovic as the club’s only reliable goalscorer. But, West Ham’s vice chairman has recently admitted that the Austrian international faces an uncertain future at the club.
Arnautovic’s potential departure will leave the Hammers a bit shorthanded in terms of offensive productivity. The ex-Stoke City star has been involved in 32 goals since joining the club in 2017.
Hence, it will be imperative for West Ham to keep hold of Anderson this summer. The Brazilian has contributed not only in attack but also in the creative department. And his presence in the final third will be essential if West Ham are to nestle through to the Europa League places next season.
