Jeff Stelling has savaged West Ham playmaker Felipe Anderson for his current form, claiming that he can’t “think of anybody more disappointing” than the Brazilian.
The 26-year-old has struggled for form this term, and has yet to score in 15 Premier League outings.
Speaking on Soccer Saturday, Stelling was quick to give the South American both barrels (Sky Sports News, 12.30, December 14th), he said: “It’s unfair to dig out individuals, but, only because last season I was one of his biggest fans, I can’t think of anybody more disappointing than Felipe Anderson.
“Why doesn’t he look like he wants to improve?”
OPINION
These are big, harsh words from Stelling, but honestly, it’s hard to argue with him. Anderson should be the man who West Ham turn to to get them out of trouble whenever they’re in a tight spot, but more often than not, they are carrying him. Given this recent run of form, with just the one win in 10 Premier League matches, the last thing they can afford is a passenger amongst their ranks. So far this term, he has averaged 1.2 shots and 1.3 key passes per game, as per Whoscored, down from 1.6 and 1.8 respectively last term. Those differences may seem marginal, but when you then consider that he has no goals compared to the nine he bagged over the course of last season, it becomes apparent that there has been a real drop-off in his output. It’s no coincidence that the Hammers have suffered for form as a result. He needs to turn things around as soon as possible, or this could prove to be a very, very miserable campaign for both the player and his side.
