Klopp’s Hammers target switch

There has been much talk of Hammers players leaving for Liverpool during the past three months. Jurgen Klopp had reportedly been interested in signing both Jarrod Bowen and Nayef Aguerd. However yesterdays trip to Anfield could well have seen Klopp’s target switch to Lucas Paqueta.

The Brazilian was outstanding against the Merseysiders. He nutmegged, flicked and pirouetted his way through the opposition at times, in a mesmerising display. Paqueta must have been bewildering to play against, and he often appeared to have the ball on a string.

Klopp’s Hammers target switch? Paqueta was masterful at Anfield.

The £85m man wasn’t too overly indulgent either, we were not witnessing tricks for the sake of it. Each flourish was delivered to progress West Ham further up the pitch, or to escape Liverpool’s pressing. Jurgen Klopp can’t fail to have been impressed.

Aguerd’s fails Klopp audition

The same can’t be said for rumoured target Nayef Aguerd. The Moroccan defender is out of form, and seems to yield at least one major opportunity per game. It’s hard to imagine that Klopp will remain interested, having seen the player on close inspection.

Bowen on the other hand, did his chances no harm at all. Whilst not at his best, he had the mitigation of recovering from a virus. Yet despite not being 100% he still scored The Hammers only goal. Liverpool were rumoured to be scouting West Ham’s Prague hero in preparation for Mo Salah’s departure.

There can be little doubt that Paqueta stole the show though. David Moyes has a special player on his hands, and he appears to be giving him freedom to express himself. Whilst the Hammers manager may have given the Brazilian the brushes and easel, the player is painting the masterpiece . . . and it won’t have gone unnoticed by a certain German admirer.