In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How will new signing Felipe Anderson fit in at West Ham?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Felipe Anderson could have next season in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How will new signing Felipe Anderson fit in at West Ham?
West Ham shocked the football world when they signed Felipe Anderson from Lazio. Now, Fantasy Premier League managers are weighing up whether or not the Brazilian will provide value to their sides.
Anderson spent the first four months of last season on the shelf with a torn abductor muscle. In all, he missed 15 matches due to the injury. Once he returned, Anderson had difficulty finding sustained form, but still registered seven assists and four goals for Lazio in 21 league appearances.
FPL managers may be shocked to find out that Anderson only started nine games for the Serie A side last term. Of those nine starts, Anderson finished a full 90 minutes just six times.
The good news for FPL managers is Anderson goals per minute ratio. The forward struck the back of the net once every 288 minutes.
Lazio’s final day of the Serie A season failure to secure Champions League football was partly the reason for Anderson’s sale. The Brazilian was ready to go as well. His numbers had declined since 2014-15 when he registered 10 goals and eight assists. Anderson’s performances couldn’t live up to his second season at Lazio and there seemed to be some strain between the player and club.
Anderson was at his most successful last term as a traditional No. 10 behind striker Ciro Immobile. He scored three goals and tallied six assists from the position. West Ham could deploy him in the same way. However, it may depend on where Manuel Pellegrini plays fellow West Ham attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini in that position. The Argentine is coming off of an injury, so his minutes could be reduced to start the season as Anderson pushes him out of the starting XI.
West Ham may have pulled off a coup with the signing of Anderson. However, his declining numbers in the last three years could be a sign that Lazio got the best of the sale. FPL managers should give Anderson a chance. He could be a revelation for West Ham. He may also improve everyone else around him.