There was a moment during West Ham’s humiliating loss to Liverpool when the TV commentator delivered a surprising piece of information.
It came during a passage of play where the Hammers’ Brazilian playmaker, Lucas Paquetá, had once again lost possession—something he’s been doing all too often of late. The identity of the commentator escapes me, but it was at this moment they decided to share a troubling statistic:
“Lucas Paquetá has not created an assist in 23 games.”
The statement struck me immediately. At first, I doubted its accuracy, but as I racked my memory, I couldn’t recall the last time Paquetá assisted a goal. Though I haven’t double-checked the claim, it feels plausible. Sadly, our £50m Brazilian playmaker has stopped playmaking.
The more I think about it, the more I realise that the tricks, swagger, and bravado in Paquetá’s game have vanished too. We understand the mitigating circumstances behind his drop in form, and as a club and fanbase, West Ham has been incredibly supportive. However, there comes a point when that support must be repaid.
Right now, Paquetá simply isn’t delivering. His last two performances in a West Ham shirt have been dreadful. He has failed to provide the midfield with the control or passing ability it desperately needs. Instead, what we’re seeing is a version of Paquetá who throws himself to the ground when things don’t go his way.
This raises an important question: at what point do we stop indulging the Brazilian’s theatrics and ill-discipline? Aside from the odd penalty, he’s offering very little to the team.
Lopetegui needs an in-form Paqueta
Head coach Julen Lopetegui is fighting for his job, which makes it all the more surprising that he continues to select the unreliable Paquetá. The irony of Lopetegui gambling his position on a player whose own future is in doubt due to gambling allegations isn’t lost on me.
But it’s clear: Paquetá has stopped trying for West Ham. He doesn’t possess the graft and determination of players like Bowen, Wan-Bissaka, or Souček.
Perhaps he’ll strut his stuff and show off his plumage against Pep Guardiola, who once considered paying £80m for him. But even if “The Paq-Man” turns it on against Manchester City, it will be fleeting.
The truth is, City had a lucky escape. Unfortunately for West Ham, we’ve been left with a shadow of the player Paquetá used to be
Perhaps Lucas is simply trying to play as he has been told. After all what use is a coach if the players don’t play the script?
Julen & company should be seeking to get the most out of the talent that is available and moulding them into the best team they can be.
Not happening quite yet. Still trying to switch off our natural talents and coercing them to play the way according to their interpretation of the coaching manual. A coaching manual for the Spanish league which is badly translated to apply to our West Ham United.
No chance of an unique identity for us with this ‘ambition’.
COYI
He needs to stop pirouetting like ballet dancer and get back basics ,protect the ball and pass accurately not hopeful balls that are at best 50/50. Should have been benched a long time ago ,put a youngster to humiliate him he needs a culture shock .
I question how effective Paqueta has ever been. For every brilliant through ball that led to a goal there was a ball lost in a dangerous area that conceded a goal. Even at the best of times.
I can’t remember the last game in which I thought or said Paqueta had an impact. Such a shame because he has the potential to be an absolute star. Ah well, they come and go all over the league all the time.
If only Betway could have broken the news just after he signed for City, call themselves club sponsors Pah! 😊⚒️⚒️