OPINION
It is hard to make a proper judgement on how West Ham United midfielder Felipe Anderson has performed this season.
However, say what you like about the Brazilian playmaker, as there is no doubt that he has provided the Irons with the creative edge that they have been missing ever since Dimitri Payet left not long ago.
The 25-year-old has major influence over how West Ham operate in the final third, and when he is on form – he is really on form. Something which the fans would have obviously noticed.
Anderson was ruled out of the 2-0 loss to Everton on Saturday due to an ankle problem [Football London], and this was particularly evident in the fact that the display was possibly the worst we have seen from Manuel Pellegrini’s side to date – and that is no exaggeration, even after their slump at the start of the season.
They lacked any sort of attacking impetus, their defence literally fell asleep at times, and as for their midfield – well, you can blame Pellegrini for axing Mark Noble and replacing him with the woeful Pedro Obiang.
Either way, it was clear that the team lacked the prowess and finesse that Anderson provides. It is clear that they are not the same side without him playing, and they will no doubt be hoping that his minor ankle knock does not develop into a serious one.
The Irons were truly awful we know that. If there is one thing we have learned though, is that they are even more awful without the summer signing. That is worrying, and shows that the club need to go on a recruitment drive in a few months’ time.
The West Ham fans will surely have their fingers crossed that Anderson is fit in time for the clash against Chelsea, as it is clear they are not the same without him.
