West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson has been labelled a “big disappointment” at FC Porto by former Portugal international Jorge Costa, who has criticised his performances in O Jogo.
Some Hammers fans may say they know the feeling.
A man the club signed from Lazio in a £40 million deal two years ago has all the natural talent in the world.
He showed more than a glimpse of it too during a fine debut season at the London Stadium full of wonderful goals and eye-catching skill.
Since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, however, a man who has blown hot and cold throughout his career has been more freezing than sizzling.
And since moving on loan to Porto, Anderson hasn’t made the impact expected of him.
His two substitute appearances so far have coincided with defeats, with the Brazilian unable to make any sort of an impression during Friday’s 3-2 loss at Pacos de Ferreira.
“Felipe Anderson is, for now, a big disappointment,” says Costa, who won 50 caps for Portugal.
This isn’t the first time Anderson has been questioned at the Estadio do Dragao since arriving in early October.
Last week coach Sergio Conceicao, a man who demands blood, sweat and tears from every one of his players, made it clear what he thinks of the winger’s work rate.
“Felipe knows that in order to return to having brilliant moments as he had (earlier in his career), it is necessary to work hard,” Conceicao told Desporto.
As it stands, any hopes Anderson had of rebuilding his reputation at Porto and returning to England a man reborn don’t appear to be going to plan.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
