A top ex Premier League star has tipped West Ham’s Luis Guilherme to be a sensation after playing against him in Brazil.
The Hammers stated they were “excited” by the capture of Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras when they unveiled him.
Guilherme became the first signing of the post David Moyes era at West Ham at a reported £25m all in.
The move is a clear change in transfer policy and strategy with technical director Tim Steidten taking full control.
West Ham fans have also been excited about the signing of the Brazil Under 20 star given Steidten’s track record.
However, until a couple of weeks ago, very few English fans and journalists had actually heard of the 18-year-old attacker.
West Ham’s interest sparked a scramble for online videos. They show Guilherme to be powerful, rapid and skilful – key ingredients needed to thrive in the Premier League.
But there’s no hiding the fact there have been doubts and cynicism from some.
Excitement and concern over new boy from Brazil
There are concerns about bringing such a young boy straight into the world’s best league from Brazilian football.
Many have also pointed to the elephant in the room of Guilherme’s statistics.
English football fans are also wary when they see young South American players handed lofty monikers they rarely live up to, such as the ‘new Ronaldinho’ while and Guilherme has also been likened to his idol Rivaldo.
Since West Ham announced Guilherme’s capture, it has been claimed Steidten beat five elite clubs to his his signature.
A Brazilian journalist and Palmeiras expert spoke exclusively to Hammers News to reassure fans Guilherme is the real deal.
Now a top ex Premier League star has raved about West Ham signing Guilherme after playing against him in Brazil.
Guilherme tipped to be a sensation for West Ham
When it comes to exciting players who have graced the Premier League, they don’t get much more skilful, powerful and explosive than Yannick Bolasie.
During his time at Palace and Everton, Bolasie was one of the best players to watch bar none.
Now 35, Bolasie has enjoyed an interesting career in five different countries with a host of clubs.
His latest being Criciuma Esporte Clube in Brazil after joining them back in March.
While there Bolasie came face-to-face with Hammers new boy Guilherme.
And he very much liked what he saw, tipping the teen to be a Premier League sensation.
“Guilherme is electric and very quick, he’s definitely exciting,” Bolasie told The Sunday Mirror, page 72.
“He plays on the right side, but is left-footed and likes to come in and shoot.
“I was on the left and he was on the right when we played each other, he tried a little flick over my foot, but I intercepted it. That was when I knew he was a tricky customer – you can’t get too close to him because he can do something out of nowhere.
Ex Premier League star raves about Guilherme
“He is a livewire with great dribbling skills which makes me convinced he will cope well in England. He is a player who you see in the modern game now, who is an inside forward who likes to drift in, shoot and link up play.
“He has the ability to succeed. Considering how young he is, he has got a very good physique which he will improve in England with physios and strength and conditioning for the Premier League.”
Bolasie does state Guilherme may need to be given time to adapt at West Ham.
He says the difference in culture, temperature of the weather, food and pitches in Brazil and England can make that transition difficult.
Bolasie has also called on new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui to put Guilherme into a system he understands.
“It will be important he is put into a system he understands on the pitch,” Bolasie added.
“Here, in Brazil, there is a lot of free play, you do track back, but they try to leave their attackers as high up the field as they can.”