Only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has scored as many Premier League goals since the start of November as West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson.
The outstanding Brazilian has netted five times in six top-flight appearances in that period, firing the Hammers up to tenth in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
With the Cottagers possessing the leakiest defence in the division, with 40 goals conceded in just 16 games, the in-form No8 is eager to maintain his prolific form at Craven Cottage.
Felipe Anderson puts it all down to two things in the main – playing in a position that maximises his strengths and sheer hard work.
We’re all putting in lots of hard work because we know there is a long way to go in the season, but all is going well at the moment
Felipe Anderson
“During my five years in Italy [with Lazio] I didn’t get to play much on the left wing but I am playing there now and it’s very well suited to my game because it allows me to exploit my vision, dribble, bring the ball inside, get assists and get shots away,” he observed. “In some ways it’s a new position for me and I’m really enjoying it and I’ve been reaping the rewards of that.
“Thanks to all the hard work I’ve been putting in, hopefully I can continue to improve and help the team move up the table.”
After five seasons in Serie A, the 25-year-old was always going to need a settling in period in English football but, such are his talent and work ethic, it took only a matter of weeks before Felipe Anderson looked like a Premier League veteran.
A slightly slow start saw some people question the club’s decision to part with a record fee for the South American in the summer, but those dissenting voices have been well and truly silenced in recent weeks.
Felipe Anderson’s form saw him shortlisted for Premier League Player of the Month for November and have already established him as a firm favourite with the Claret and Blue Army.
“Coming here was a big change for me and I needed to get ready for it mentally. The start didn’t go brilliantly for the team or for me, but now we’ve put together a run of wins and of course that’s making everyone involved with the club very happy.
“We’re all putting in lots of hard work because we know there is a long way to go in the season, but all is going well at the moment.
“I’d always wanted to play in England, where there are so many quality players competing. The intensity level is very high and another thing that interested me was that the supporters are fantastic, there are full stadiums and the atmosphere at all the grounds is wonderful.
“It was a dream for me to come and play here.”
That dream will continue if Felipe Anderson can score again and West Ham United can win at Fulham on Saturday.