Bilic backs Fernandes to become a ‘big time’ Hammer

Edimilson Fernandes’ arrival at West Ham in the summer may have flown under the radar but Slaven Bilic believes the 20-year-old has all the ability to become a club great.

Fernandes is as yet uncapped by Switzerland and had just three years worth of experience in the Swiss Super League with FC Sion before making his way to the London Stadium.

But the versatile youngster – who can play as a wing-back or across midfield – has not been overawed by the move and scored a fine goal in West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

(Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

And Bilic could not be more impressed by his new signing’s start to life as a Hammer.

“It’s a great thing to see him make an impact like he has,” said Bilic. “It’s always great to see a new player doing well, especially if it’s a young player like he is.

“We shouldn’t forget that he’s only 20 years old, he came to a new country and doesn’t speak great English, so it was probably hard for him.

“But since the first day, he has been really good and positive and very brave in training and you could see from the start that he’s a very talented player.

“He is very comfortable on the ball in different positions and I’m sure that him, the club, the fans and all of us are going to benefit from him, big time. He has got everything.”