Slaven Bilic explains what role Edimilson Fernandes will play at West Ham United this season

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The promising midfielder will be involved with the first-team.

West Ham United’s new signing Edimilson Fernandes is introduced to the fans before the start of the match

Slaven Bilic has shed light on the role that he expects new signing Edimilison Fernandes to play, in an interview with the club’s official website.

The 20-year old midfielder comes highly-rated from Switzerland and Bilic wants him to make a first-team impact this season.

Edimilson Fernandes

“He’s a good player who we’ve been watching for a whole year,” said the Hammers boss “He’s very young, a good midfielder and is not only for the future.

“We are not expecting him to come now and change the game for us, but we didn’t buy him as a talent to loan; we want him to be part of the squad and play this year.

“He’s very talented and can play in a few positions. He has good pace, good legs, good physique, good skill and a great mentality. He’s a good signing for us,” he added.

Fernandes faces a tough challenge to break into an attacking midfield that boasts the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Sofiane Feghouli but he will be hopeful of making an immediate impact.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic

Bilic was speaking after last night’s disappointing defeat to Astra Guirgiu, a result that denies the club the chance to enjoy European football in their first season at the Olympic Stadium.

West Ham were without a host of key men for the crucial encounter and failed to break down a stout Astra defence after conceding a sloppy goal on the stroke of half-time.

West Ham United’s Michail Antonio misses a chance to score

Bilic’s men improved in the second half but couldn’t find the net with any of their 17 attempts on goal.

New signing Jonathan Calleri missed two guilt-edged chances and fans will hope that isn’t a worrying sign of things to come.

Fellow new boy Ashley Fletcher provided some cause for optimism with an exciting cameo but it ultimately turned into a night to forget for the East London club.