Felipe Anderson continued his fine form away from West Ham United with an ‘intoxicating’ performance as Lazio beat Lokomotiv Moscow in the Europa League on Thursday night.
That’s the view of Italian publication TuttoMercatoWEB, who lauded the Brazilian’s efforts at the Stadio Olimpico. The Biancocelesti now sit second in Group E behind Galatasaray after winning their first match of the group stage 2-0.
Anderson did not get on the scoresheet, but played a pivotal role in the build-up to Pedro assisting Toma Basic. Finding the Spaniard with a nutmeg, before the former Chelsea star lifted the ball into the box for the opener.
West Ham sold Anderson back to Lazio in July for £2.5m, just three-years after making the 28-year-old their club-record signing. The Hammers spent £36m on the two-cap forward in 2018, but he offered just 12 goals and 13 assists in 73 appearances across all competitions.
Anderson has enjoyed a strong start to life back in Rome and caused Lokomotiv Moscow constant problems on Thursday. He forced Guilherme Marinato into a stunning fingertip save, and saw later attempts flash past the post or a Loko body charge down his strikes.
TuttoMercatoWEB lauded the winger’s efforts against Loko, having been a nightmare for Marko Nikolic’s side to try and keep quiet.
“Unstoppable in speed, intoxicating in one-on-ones,” TMW wrote. “Various on the attack front, he drives the Russian defenders mad. He invents the action that leads to the goal of the advantage. He is one of the players who can benefit the most from the advent of Sarri.”
Anderson loving life at Lazio after West Ham exit
Anderson is seemingly loving life back at Lazio after leaving West Ham this summer for a second shot in Rome. He has provided two goals and two assists over eight appearances so far, never missing a starting line-up, as well.
His efforts proved crucial to Lazio winning the Rome derby last Sunday with a goal and an assist against Rome. Helping to break the deadlock and maintain the Biancocelesti’s lead, by feeding Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and firing past Rui Patricio.
Anderson has also thrilled Maurizio Sarri with his early displays, with the former Chelsea boss noting recently, via Italy 24 News: “I have rarely coached a potentially strong one like Felipe. He has extraordinary talents.”
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