The West Ham United manager has admitted he is taking a gamble on signing the Portuguese.
West Ham United boss David Moyes has revealed his only concern over recent loan arrival Joao Mario, 25.
The Portuguese midfielder has joined the Hammers from Inter Milan for the rest of the season, after making 15 appearances for the San Siro club this term.
A Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, the former Sporting man should bring valuable experience to an injury hampered West Ham squad and Moyes hopes his exciting new player can hit the ground running in the Premier League.
According to the Daily Star, Moyes said: “My biggest concern is not him as a footballer but getting used to the Premier League, the speed and competitiveness compared to Italy or Portugal.
“His ability as a footballer is not in question, he’s proved it, and I just hope he can hit the ground running. That’s my only concern.”
West Ham have experienced somewhat of a resurgence since Moyes’ appointment. However, the club still remain very much in the thick of the relegation battle.
Hammers stars Marco Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini are both suffering from injuries and, as a result, the attacking options available to Moyes have become dangerously thin.
On top of this, Andy Carroll was confirmed to be out for a number of months, while Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio are also enduring spells on the sidelines.
Speaking about potentially bringing in some more new faces this month Moyes said: “I would like to have a few more but the truth is I wouldn’t want to say because I couldn’t be confident we will get any more.
“At the moment I can’t say there is any guarantee there will be anybody else coming.
“It’s really difficult. Behind the scenes we have tried for two or three players and most of it is getting knocked back.”
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