Former and current professionalsstick together and generally refuse to say a word against each other’s past or present performances.
And Carlton Cole is the last former Hammer on earth you would expect to hear making his feelings clear on a member of the current West Ham squad.
But he has unusually broken ranks to direct some pretty harsh words towards Felipe Anderson’s efforts in the game against Liverpool on Monday night.
The return of Anderson was hailed by manager David Moyes as a chance for him to show that he can be a game changer and compared his expectations to those of Marko Arnauotovic.
It certainly didn’t happen in the game against the League leaders despite the boss saying he knows the Brazilian had it in his locker.
And Cole has quickly made it clear that the £36 million signing is more than under performing accusing him of not looking bothered at Anfield.
“Felipe Anderson for me is a great player but he’s just not pulling his weight about, at the moment,” Cole told The Debate. “I don’t like to batter my colleagues as footballers, but he should be doing a lot more.
“He’s got so much talent but he just didn’t look bothered [against Liverpool]. He is an important player for us. I just wanted for him to have a good game and then take that confidence into the next one, which I don’t think he really did.”
Couldn’t agree more although having done absolutely nothing in the 1st half I thought he started the 2nd half quite well but it’s not enough.
Skill wise I think he’s great but he shirks every challenge and in the Premier League you do that and you give possession away constantly. He needs to grow a pair and then we’d see a fantastic player. Unfortunately I don’t see him adding that to his game
According to Opta he has made 133 tackles and won 138 50/50’s. Compared to Ogbonna who has made 168 tackles and won 25 50/50’s. Given most would say Oggy has been superb this season and is a defender I am not sure Anderson has too much to be ashamed of. Just sayin.
Be interesting what the club think of one of their coaching staff coming out criticising one of there ,’star’ players.
And there is all the old players saying the fans should support the players…
Time to sell the physical lightweights Lanzini and Anderson
I didn’t think he was that bad, can see where CC is coming from, it wasn’t his best game but he did a lot of good things, he was our best player in possession of the ball, caused their defenders a lot of problems cutting in from the left. He is lightweight and shy in a 50/50 but against lesser teams than Liverpool he will make the difference, definitely won’t judge him on what was his first game back, onwards and upwards COYI!!!
Agree. He is a defensive liability but draws the opposition when he has the ball, creating space for the lesser lights.
Expecting Noble to be our creative genius? Admire him, but no Fabregas.
COYI!
I think he has no interest in staying at West Ham his performances are largely well under par he doesn’t seem to want to take players on like last season plus doesn’t get stuck in. Just seems like he’s trying to keep injury free. Only my opinion hope he proves me wrong in these last 12 games. COYI
Couldn’t agree more……… It’s the Elephant in the room and it has to be said. I used to play football with a guy like him and it used to frustrate the hell out of me and a few others…… All the ability but little or NO application. Ducking every challenge was his M.O.
I hope Anderson mans up for the next game because unfortunately, we NEED him!
Going forward, this club needs to draught players with Ability and Desire in equal measure from the Academy and recruit talented players of Ability and Character via transfers!
Ultimately, Team Ethic and Success is built on the combined Desire of the team and well-paid mercenaries without this desire put us in the position that we’re in right now.
Filipe Anderson criticised by a cart horse. Who said irony was dead?