Marcelo Bielsa told Leeds Live that West Ham loaning out Felipe Anderson in the summer shows that they have ‘good offensive potential’.
West Ham’s attack has been motoring on at a healthy speed this season and it may well result in a goal-fest at Elland Road because they are coming up against a side that likes to go over the driving limit.
In the summer, a lot was made about how those in East London were handling their transfer business, with the already unpopular West Ham board getting a lot of stick for their decision-making.
Well, ahead of Friday’s showdown, Bielsa shared his thoughts on the in-form Hammers and the attacking players that cannot get into their starting XI.
“West Ham has what most Premier League sides have, two players in each attacking position of the same or similar quality,” said Bielsa. “For example, West Ham don’t have in their XI: [Andriy] Yarmolenko, [Manuel] Lanzini and number 30 (Michail Antonio). The centre-forward, who plays with number 30.
“They loaned out Felipe Anderson and this gives you the idea they have good offensive potential. They have a structure of seven defensive players which is also very solid.
“They are also very clear when they have to attack, when they have to defend and how they need to play. They are all aspects in which you can praise the coach.”
The sale of Grady Diangana sparked a wildfire at the London Stadium because supporters were baffled by why the club allowed such a talented player to leave.
But the problem West Ham had was that they were top-heavy in the attacking department and players needed to part ways, hence the decision to loan out Anderson to Porto.
The only problem is that this West Ham board went about things the wrong way and rightfully got stick for it.
However, the manner in which David Moyes has started this campaign has eased the pressure on the board and the positive mood around the place will only grow if they can secure all three points on Friday.
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