Two years in and West Ham still need Felipe Anderson to be consistent

There may be no more talented player on the West Ham roster than Felipe Anderson, but with a relegation battle still raging, the Brazilian needs consistency for a future with this team.

From a mercurial backheel flick past David De Gea for his first goal for West Ham to a stunning curling wonder strike against Palace to dribbling through the Arsenal team while adjusting his gloves, Felipe Anderson is a massive talent, unquestionably.

But, as we’ve seen this season, Anderson is nothing if not inconsistent with his play. Some would argue it’s him shutting off and losing interest, others would suggest it’s a tactical mismatch to his style of play. Regardless, results and goal contributions have been rare this season and it has contributed to the Hammers’ downfall.

With his fitness all but confirmed for the Watford match, Anderson can impact the game (and the season) in a massive way, but it’ll likely come from a bench position.

David Moyes has shown dedication to players he’s got results from and in that same vein, I’d expect either Manuel Lanzini or Pablo Fornals to be the first choice over Anderson at the left-mid position of his 4-2-3-1 formation.

With the two year anniversary of one of the best signing videos of all time, West Ham and Felipe Anderson both need to improve to mutually benefit each other. First and foremost, for the club, investment in a solid left-back would liberate the attacker from more defensive duties.

For the Anderson, commitment and bravery when on the ball would go along way to increasing his and his teammates’ effectiveness. Since Moyes has committed to a more attacking team there has been more freedom for forwards to stay higher up the pitch, but form and injury have seen Anderson miss out on this.

If he a flop? Or, is the team not set up for him to succeed? It seems too early (somehow) for both of these answers to be unanimously decided upon. I wouldn’t be surprised if he were made available this summer, but I also wouldn’t count him out from positively impacting the team with a few crucial matches remaining.

A few cheeky nutmegs, hard possessions won back, tantalizing crosses into the box, and driving runs at goal will do a world of good for Anderson, West Ham as a whole, and the whole lot of supporters either urging him on or banking on a massively important return to form. No wholesale decisions on the player now, just a plea to get back on form as soon as possible.