Liverpool have been linked with a move for the West Ham United attacker Felipe Anderson, it has been reported.
Anderson moved from Lazio to the Premier League for £40m last summer, and impressed in his first season in the English top-flight.
The 26-year-old managed 14 goal contributions in 40 appearances, and was quite often the creative spark in the West Ham United attack under Manuel Pellegrini.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are planning a bid for Anderson, but he is likely to cost the Reds quite a bit of money as he has a contract with the Hammers that runs until the summer of 2022, and was signed for a club record fee of £40 million.
Anderson would be a good option for Liverpool
Anderson is a versatile forward who mainly features on the left wing, and has shown in the past that he can play as an attacking midfielder, and on the right wing if the coach demands so.
The Brazilian has a strong work ethic, something that would hold him in good stead under a demanding manager like Jurgen Klopp.
Anderson is technically gifted, which is no surprise considering he is a Brazilian. The 26-year-old has a bag full of tricks, and is quite a menacing player while on the break, something that the Hammers fans will approve of.
The Brazilian’s passing is also impressive and he is no one-trick pony, having mustered nearly two key passes a game on an average in the Premier League.
The Hammers attacker is useful in counter-attacking situations, and his link-up play with someone like Roberto Firmino would be particularly useful. Anderson’s defensive ability is another aspect of his game that has impressed the West Ham fans, as the Brazilian has a knack for tracking back, and putting a foot in when needed, something we’ve seen in West Ham’s 4-5-1 set-up.
With players like Alisson Becker, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho already in the Liverpool dressing room, and Anderson having Premier League experience with West Ham, the Brazilian’s transition is likely to be a smooth one should he move to Anfield.
Anderson missed the bus for Brazil’s Copa America squad after such a stellar season with the Hammers, and that might play a part as moving to a bigger club and performing consistently will help him make a case even more.
Stat Courtesy: Whoscored