The Samba street star who is lighting up the London Stadium

“Felipe is one of the most exciting talents in Europe.” –Director of football Mario Husillos

After years of stagnation in the East End, West Ham United were in desperate need of a change in direction. With Manuel Pellegrini already through the door and three signings already confirmed, West Ham got off to a blistering start in the summer. Yet still, when Felipe Anderson arrived from Lazio for a reported club record £36 million fee, the mood had suddenly changed; it was a shock statement of intent to the rest of the league, evident to see the Hammers meant business.

Significantly eclipsing the £22 million they paid for Issa Diop the previous month, the Brazillian’s signature was much sought after from the top clubs in Europe. A player who was filled with immense bravery, with sheer audacity to try the weird and the wonderful, was the type of character the West Ham fans knew all too well.

Footballers who could change a game in a split second had been ingrained into the DNA of the club. Perhaps inevitably, comparisons with Dimitri Payet and Paolo Di Canio had already come to light.

“He somewhat reminds us of the Payet days back at the Boleyn.” – West Ham Supporter

Coming from a humble upbringing in his hometown of Santa Maria, Felipe Anderson spent his formative years playing on the streets. Fast forward all those years, from watching him play in quite possibly the fiercest league of all, the element of street football is still resemblant within him. Technically brilliant, bundles of confidence and trickery,  he offers something completely unique to most. 

Speaking in a recent interview, the boy from Brasillia believes his early years has made him the player he is today. And with six goals already to his name this season, there is no reason to suggest Felipe Anderson can not continue to put his mercurial Brazilian flair onto the Premier League stage.

However, like most foreign attackers coming to England, it can take time to settle in to the pace, intensity and requirements placed on you and the attacking midfielder was no different. Attempting to find his feet, Felipe Anderson was often hit and miss in the early stages of the season, with obvious signs of it being difficult to settle in to the rhythm of the West Ham way.

He started showing the occasional brief glimpse of a player the West Ham board were so determined to sign. Yet for some sections of supporters, glimpses were not enough. Described as “frustrating for the most part” and “ignoring his defensive duties,” Felipe Anderson was a culprit for many to pin the Hammers terrible start on. 

But ultimately, Felipe Anderson’s quality started shining through. With breathtaking skills, dribbles and goals, Felipe Anderson was now becoming the Iron’s talisman. His glorious goal against Crystal Palace on Saturday highlighted that this was now a man who is comfortable showcasing his talents on one of football’s biggest stages.

With Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko injured, the former Lazio man has had to establish himself as the main source of creativity among the ranks and seemingly, the added responsibility has enabled him to flourish. Although Dimitri Payet comparisons will continue to remain and perhaps grow in stature, Felipe Anderson should be seen as the next in line of the marvelous attacking talents West Ham have had in the past. 

Although vultures may come circling in the not so distant future, West Ham know they have a got a proper player. With the London Stadium his home, Felipe Anderson can be the main instigator in aiding a Hammers resurgence and becoming the fierce competitor they once were in the so called “glory days.” 

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