Player West Ham sold for £2.5m will be a ‘phenomenon’ at his new club

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Former West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson continues to put that ill-fated spell in the Premier League behind him with Maurizio Sarri convinced he can become a ‘phenomenon’ in Serie A, via Il Messaggero. 

Heading to Bergamo without top scorer Ciro Immobile, few would have given I Biancocelesti much of a chance away from home at fellow high-flyers Atalanta on Sunday afternoon. 

So there was considerable surprise when Anderson, fielded in an unfamiliar centre-forward role by former Chelsea, Napoli and Juventus boss Sarri, inspired an eye-catching 2-0 win; showcasing his versatile streak with a fine performance through the middle.

Anderson’s movement dragged the Atalanta defence from pillar to post throughout. He even scored Lazio’s second of the night; brilliantly evading a Teun Koopmeiners tackle before firing a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. 

Do not except to see Anderson keep Immobile out of the side when the Italian returns to full fitness. But Sarri is understandably pleased to know that he has a player capable of stepping into his talisman’s shoes if required. 

Felipe Anderson enjoying new lease of life at Lazio following West Ham exit

“Sarri is convinced that he is a potential phenomenon,” explains Lazio president Claudio Lotito. “Even in that role. And I have always thought so too.” 

Lazio paid West Ham just £2.5 million to bring Anderson back to Rome 15 months ago; the Brazil international leaving the London Stadium via the backdoor after an underwhelming spell in claret-and-blue. 

But if Anderson never looked suited to David Moyes’ hard-running style, Sarri’s freeform approach certainly feels like a better fit. A revitalised 29-year-old already has three goals and three assists to his name this term. 

“I am learning every movement in attack,” Anderson tells DAZN. “Immobile is one of the best strikers in Europe when it comes to his movement off the ball. So I always watched him and learned so much. 

“The coach asks a lot of me and puts his faith in me. So I need to give my all in any position.” 

Both West Ham and Lazio are in European action on Thursday. West Ham host Silkeborg in the UEFA Conference League. Lazio, meanwhile, welcome Midtjylland of Denmark to the Stadio Olimpico.