Why Liverpool should go for West Ham’s Felipe Anderson in January

Back in May, the Daily Mail had claimed that Liverpool were plotting a move for West Ham attacker Felipe Anderson, who enjoyed a strong debut campaign for the Hammers last year, as he settled quickly in English football following his move from Lazio.

The Brazilian, 26, scored nine Premier League goals in 2018/19, helping West Ham a tenth-place finish. The speedy attacker, however, hasn’t had a good start to the new Premier League campaign. He failed to make an impact in West Ham’s 5-0 drubbing to Manchester City in the season opener and missed the second game at Brighton with a thigh problem.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have made a flying start to the 2019/20, winning their first two games of the season. They have also won the UEFA Super Cup by beating Chelsea in Istanbul, Turkey. But they have struggled to break down teams at times, with Jurgen Klopp lacking a creative playmaker to constantly supply the forwards with incisive through balls.

The Reds have an array of midfielders that gives Klopp solutions to different problems.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has returned to the team after missing the last campaign with ligament damage, but he hasn’t been able to make an impact thus far. Xherdan Shaqiri didn’t enjoy much playing time the previous campaign and wants to leave Anfield this summer.

Klopp should offload Shaqiri now, even though he won’t be able to sign a player until January. Once the winter transfer window starts, he should try signing Felipe Anderson from West Ham.

Blessed with fantastic, close control and technique, Anderson is extremely skilful and combines his agility and directness to rip apart defences. He is a playmaker with quick feet and vision, capable of producing moments of magic.

The ex-Lazio ace’s best position is left-wing, making him a superb rotation option for Mane; but he has the versatility to play on the right or as a secondary striker.

The Brazil international’s biggest problem is consistency; he is unplayable on his day and simply awful when things aren’t going his way. That’s one thing he’ll need to improve as the 26-year-old has already had a season to adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

Verdict

Considering everything, Anderson could be a great fit at Liverpool. His versatility will give Klopp tactical flexibility and a chance for the Liverpool manager to provide his famed front three proper rest whenever required.

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Hence, it’s a no-brainer for the Reds to splash the cash and sign the nippy Brazilian in January to solve their creativity problems.