Ilan is pushing hard for his first West Ham United start and has no doubts he will be able to settle quickly into life in England.
The Brazilian forward has made two substitute appearances - including a goal on his debut - and has given Gianfranco Zola plenty to think about. This weekend against Hull City he will be competing with Carlton Cole, Mido and fit-again Guille Franco for a starting berth - with Benni McCarthy (knee) likely to miss out on Saturday's contest.
Ilan knows there is competition for places but he does not expect to have trouble establishing himself between now and the end of the season. "It's easier for me to adapt to English football because I have already played for five years in France," he said. "The football is more similar to the English game than many of the other European leagues.
"I have been in France a long time and this will give me an advantage. Normally when players come to England from the French league, they do quite well and I am confident that I can do well too."
The No9 has also been clear about his preferred position when he is called upon as well as his immediate praise for the coaching set-up at Chadwell Heath. "I can play mainly as a support striker, or I can play behind the front-two - but more as a third attacker than a central midfielder.
"I am very happy to be working under a manager like Gianfranco Zola. He's played at the highest level and can understand players more easily than coaches who have not played at the highest level themselves. From this point of view, Zola is the perfect manager."