Former Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo delivered his verdict on West Ham winger Felipe Anderson and shared that he thought he would succeed at the club.
The Brazilian football legend, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 (Source: The Telegraph), shared his opinion on the Hammers flyer and stated that the winger faces some difficulties in the Premier League including its physical demands.
“He is a nice player, capable of adapting to English football, yes, he will face some difficulties such as the physical demands of the league,” said Rivaldo, as quoted by the Daily Star.
“But when you’re talented and professional you could prove your value and I believe he will succeed.
“West Ham is not a top team in England but is a reasonable club where he can improve, and show his quality as a player in order to make another jump in the future, perhaps to a bigger English club.”
Anderson who stands at 5ft 7in tall (Source: Transfermarkt) arrived at the London Stadium in the summer after being signed from Lazio.
OPINION
Anderson has had a mixed start to life at the Hammers as he has shown glimpses of his talents but has also submitted some woeful displays in his first few appearances for the club. The 25-year-old has featured five times for Manuel Pellegrini’s side and is clearly still trying to adapt to the demands of the English Premier League. Rivaldo opted to pinpoint the physical demands of the top-flight in England being a potential hurdle to Anderson’s success and it’s easy to see that he needs to toughen up in order for that not be a problem. Anderson clearly has all the skills needed to succeed when he has the ball at his feet but he can’t allow himself to be out-muscled and ineffective when his side are chasing the game. While Anderson will no doubt be flattered by the rest of Rivaldo’s assessment of him, which tips him to join a bigger English team than the Hammers, supporters of the London side may be a bit miffed. Anderson has only just rocked up at the London Stadium and is yet to blow supporters away so perhaps Rivaldo shouldn’t be taking a dig at the prestigious club as they look good enough to be Anderson’s home as it stands.
