Rio Ferdinand believes that European qualification is a realistic aim for West Ham United this season.
The former Hammers’ enforcer has been impressed with the way his former side have started the season, and picked out their options in the final third as players who can affect where they finish in the Premier League.
Ferdinand was particularly pleased with Brazilian, Felipe Anderson, who he described as a player who when on form is a “great player,” and someone who could help West Ham earn European qualification for next season.
Speaking on West Ham’s official club website, Ferdinand opened up on what the Hammers could achieve this season and picked out some of the players that could help them get there.
“I think Europe would be a great realistic aim,” he suggested.
“I think the investment with Haller has been good, Lanzini looks good again and fit, Anderson when he’s flying I think is a great player, so the consistency they could get with those players hopefully will put them in a position to go up the table.”
OPINION
Ferdinand has every right to be excited with the potential of this West Ham side, who despite their setback against Crystal Palace on Saturday, have started the season very well. Manuel Pellegrini will be delighted with his players for their efforts so far and will want them to put that defeat behind them and push on after the international break. The Chilean has put together a front four more than capable of European football and Anderson is definitely one of those players. The Brazilian has been on top form already this season, delivering three assists – the only player to have more than one. Anderson is in the top two in the entire Hammers’ squad for the most shots and key passes averaged per game according to WhoScored, and continues to highlight his importance in East London with every passing match. Anderson is pivotal in the Hammers’ front four, and he will be key to any hopes of securing what Ferdinand calls a realistic aim of European football for next season.
