- Slaven Bilic praises the impact made by Swiss youngster Edimilson Fernandes
- Midfielder has made 22 Premier League appearances, but has started just three times
- Manager suggests former FC Sion star could replace suspended Mark Noble
Slaven Bilic may put his ‘huge plans’ for Edimilson Fernandes into action at Sunderland on Saturday.
The West Ham United manager played a big part in signing the Switzerland midfielder last summer and believes the man who turns 21 on Saturday has a bright future ahead of him.
With extensive domestic and European experience already under his belt from his time with FC Sion, Fernandes has already been given a succession of opportunities in a Claret and Blue shirt – although 19 of his 22 Premier League appearances have come from the substitutes’ bench.
However, with captain Mark Noble suspended for the trip to the Stadium of Light and the home game with Everton, Bilic hinted that the youngster will be given a chance to impress from the kick-off.
“When we signed Edi most of the people, including him, were a little surprised,” Bilic began, when asked about the possibility of Fernandes starting at Sunderland. “There were talks about him going out on loan, but no.
“He is playing a lot for us. He is not starting a lot but he is playing. The impact he has made is quite significant. He is always on the verge. Every week we are talking about him starting. Sometimes he has started, but on the other hand he came into a good team and he is an option in a few positions where we have Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate and Pedro Obiang, who has played really good this season.
“Edi is doing very well in training and every time he has come on he has made a good impact, whether we have to keep the result or in midfield when we need someone to distribute the ball with his quick feet.”
Edi is doing very well in training and every time he has come on he has made a good impact
Slaven Bilic
Quick over the ground, a fine athlete and accurate passer, Fernandes has many of the attributes required to become a top-level Premier League player, while his EFL Cup match-winner against Chelsea suggests he also has an eye for goal.
As he continues to accrue experience and hone his skills, Bilic believes he will make an even bigger impact in 2017/18 – providing he improves his command of the English language!
“Our plans for him in the next season are huge,” the manager confirmed. “I am expecting him to be a top player. He has asked me about playing, but not in a negative way. He knows he is the player who is being used almost every time.
“I spoke to him a few times and he has to learn his English much better and he has already made a big step considering he came at the age of 20. But he has adjusted well and he has a good chance to start next game against Sunderland and we are planning to use him a lot next season.
“I spoke to him about the language and we are helping him. I remember when I came to a new country like Germany I was struggling, not necessarily on the pitch but to integrate off it. It is key. He has improved a lot, but he has to do better.
“I spoke to his cousin who is playing in France, [the former Manchester City midfielder] Gelson Fernandes who speaks five languages, perhaps he can loan Edi one!”