In the summer transfer window of 2007, Manchester United spent over 50 million pounds on Nani, Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez and Anderson.
There was a real sense of intrigue as fans flocked to YouTube to catch fleeting videos of their exciting new signings.
Arguably, the player that caught the imagination of the fans the most was Anderson, who was well regarded by South American pundits and the Portuguese press. One highly respected observer even went as far as labelling him a ‘millennium falcon’, due to his rapid speed across the ground.
From watching the videos posted on YouTube, it was hard to argue that he looked a very good prospect. Clips of him tearing past his opponent intertwined with several skilful segments and even some wonder goals, he looked like he could live up to the tag of the ‘New Ronaldinho’.
Instead, Anderson has proved to be the opposite of the flamboyant flair player that many people were expecting.
Indeed, it highlighted the power of editing and the importance of not using a video sharing site as a scouting tool.
Almost straight away it was clear that he was more of a deep-lying playmaker, rarely venturing forward and showcased his talent by playing the simple ball, using his strength to muscle players out of the way or occasionally spraying a ‘Scholesesque’ pass out to the wings.
His shooting ability was laughable and his reluctance to take players on meant that he sometimes faded to the peripheral of games.
He has drawn some criticism, mainly from observers who watch him sporadically, for letting the game pass him by. But there are many United fans who would say that he has proved himself.
They might argue that one of his best games, a 1-0 win at Anfield, endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful.
In a game of typically high intensity and ill feeling, he matched talisman Steven Gerrard step for step and wouldn’t allow him to play.
In 2009, his performance in a 4-0 victory over Arsenal in the FA cup semi-final was excellent, although it was under publicised due to the performance of British contingent of Rooney, Fletcher and Carrick.
He has impressed against lesser opponents too, but these showings are not enough to convince many.
Their counter-argument would be that Anderson does not replicate that level of ability consistently enough to hold down a regular place at Old Trafford.
Certainly, there was a period where a series of distinctly average showings had meant he was not in favour, and rumours started about a move to Inter Milan.
However, he impressed enough to get a new 4 and a half year in December 2010, with Sir Alex Ferguson stating, ‘Anderson has developed tremendously since joining us and he has fantastic potential at only 22; he is going to be a really top player’
There are indications that we are yet to see the best of him. If he can improve certain aspects of his game, including his finishing and composure in front of goal, he will become one of the most rounded central midfielders in the Premiership.
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