Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster has claimed former West Ham player Felipe Anderson could not ‘cut it’ in the Premier League. The ex-England player did not hold back with his opinion of Anderson, who at the time of his arrival was the Hammers record transfer signing. The Brazilian’s arrival came for a fee in the region of £36million but the attacking-midfielder failed to live up to the hype and, after two underwhelming seasons, was sent out on loan. Following his season away from West Ham at Porto, for whom he only made five league appearances amid criticism from manager Sergio Conceicao who claimed he “needs to work harder”, Anderson returned to the Hammers.
Ben Foster said: “No, [we did not get to see the best of him]. Apparently he was on massive money as well. He never really took to the Premier League very well. It’s very difficult for these South American players to come over and hit the ground running. It never worked out for him. Obviously, a technically gifted player. But he just couldn’t cut it in the Premier League.”
Since his return to Italy, Anderson has slotted straight into Maurizio Sarri’s first XI starting both of Lazio’s Serie A matches. He has a goal and an assist to his name helping Lazio to a perfect start to the season and top of the table.
