A look at five things Chelsea and Manchester United fans should know about exciting Lazio star Felipe Anderson, who has been linked with a £30m move to both clubs this summer…
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1) He’s got a funny nickname
For reasons unknown to us, Anderson has earned the rather amusing nickname of “O rato de Roma”, meaning “the mouse of Rome”. We’ll assume this is a compliment, and testament to his small size, speed and intelligence.
2) Exciting style of play
Anderson is a highly exciting player to watch, and just the kind to get fans off their seats in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has already drawn comparisons with players like Cristiano Ronaldo due to his great ability on the ball, blistering pace, and powerful shots from long range. If allowed to express himself in an attack-minded team, he’d be a big hit in England.
3) Highest rated Lazio player this season
With 11 goals and 7 assists in all competitions, Anderson has really stood out as the star player at Lazio this season, and is statistically rated as their best performer on WhoScored.com, winning their Man of the Match award eight times in 2014/15.
4) Started out at Santos
Anderson has also been compared with fellow Brazilian Neymar, which is perhaps no surprise due to both his ability, style of play, and the fact that he started his career at the same team in Brazil, Santos. Anderson moved to the club in 2007 to join their youth team, and became a first-team regular by 2010, scoring seven league goals for the club before being snapped up by the Italian giants.
5) On stand-by for Brazil
Anderson is currently on stand-by for Brazil for this summer’s Copa America. The youngster is yet to earn his first senior call-up, but is on Dunga’s list of potential replacements if any members of the current squad drop out. Becoming a regular for his country is surely not far away for the player that has shone at youth level and shown what he can do in Serie A this season.