Felipe Anderson has been called-up to the senior Brazil squad. With nine goals and four assists, the 25-year-old has been one of West Ham United’s standout outfield players this season – his first in English football following a club-record move from Italian side Lazio last summer. The winger’s fine form for the Hammers has been rewarded with a place in Tite’s selection for two friendly international matches in March. Brazil will take on Panama in Portugal on 23 March before heading to Prague to tackle Czech Republic three days later. Felipe Anderson will hope to impress and establish himself in the squad for this summer’s Copa America, which will see Brazil host the tournament and take on Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru in the group-stage. Previously, the No8 was placed on standby for the 2015 version of the same competition, making his debut in a warm-up match against Mexico in Sao Paolo on 7 June of that year. The following summer, Felipe Anderson was part of the Brazil squad which participated in the 2016 Olympic Games, defeating Germany in a penalty shootout to win the first men’s football Gold in the country’s history. Should he feature, Felipe Anderson would become the first Brazil international in West Ham United history. Everyone at the Club would like to congratulate Felipe on his inclusion and wish him all the best on his return to the international stage.
Rice wins Young Player of the Year accolade at London Football Awards
Declan Rice has scooped the Young Player of the Year Award at the London Football Awards 2019. Presented to the defensive midfielder by fellow West Ham Academy graduate and Club legend Tony Cottee, the 20-year-old saw off competition from Crystal Palace's Aaron-Wan Bisska, Arsenal's Matteo Guendouzi, Karlan Grant of Charlton Athletic and Eberechi Eze of Queens Park Rangers to lift the accolade at Battersea Evolution on Thursday evening. "It's a huge honour to be here tonight and it's very special for me to have this award in my hands," Rice said upon receiving the honour. "I want to say thank you to my manager, Manuel Pellegrini, for believing in me and trusting me this season, and giving me the opportunity. "I also want to thank my teammates and my family; my mum, dad, brothers, and girlfriend, because without them I wouldn't be here today."
Rice's recognition as the best player under 21-years-old in London continues a fantastic run for the Hammer, who has made 29 appearances for West Ham in all competitions this campaign.. Rice's incredible form saw him rewarded with a new contract, until 2024, at the end of 2018, while the in-form talent marked his 20th birthday with a first goal in Claret and Blue, netting a brilliant strike in the 1-0 victory over Arsenal. In receiving the honour, Rice is the first West Ham player to win at the London Football Awards after Dimitri Payet was named the Premier League Player of the Year in 2016. That same season, the Moore Family Foundation was honoured as the Community Project of the Year. In its fifth year, the London Football Awards, sponsored by Toscafund, raises funds for former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson OBE and his wife, Megs’ charity, Willow - the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days.
