Lucas Paqueta demonstrated exactly why West Ham coach Julen Lopetegui had dropped him for the crunch clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
It was always clear that Lopetegui would select players he could trust for a game that would ultimately determine his future at the Hammers. So, it was unsurprising to see the dependable Tomas Soucek selected. Perhaps less surprising, however, was the omission of Paqueta.
Instead, Lopetegui preferred the infrequently used Carlos Soler for the role of creator in midfield. While the Spaniard is not blessed with Paqueta’s flair, he did a decent job.
However, when the Brazilian playmaker was introduced as a substitute in the second half, he seemed to use the occasion as a showcase for his tricks and flicks. While I’m no fan of Lopetegui, the pivotal point in the game was clearly a time for rolling up one’s sleeves and ensuring the all-important three points were secured.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Paqueta’s repertoire of skills, but there is a time and a place. By trying to flick, trick, and pirouette his way through the final minutes of the game, “The Paq-Man” demonstrated precisely why it would have been too risky for the Hammers’ head coach to select him from the start.
While West Ham’s next game against AFC Bournemouth does not carry the ‘El Sackio’ tag, Lopetegui knows he is not out of the woods yet. So, don’t be surprised if Paqueta is dropped again.
The idiot manager does not know how to use him that’s the problem. They never spoke to each other while he was waiting to go on. What does that say, you either play him or don’t play him, he’s a flair player you take the good with bad. The manager has lost the dressing room as per Bowen comments after the game the players change the way they played for second half. So Sullivan should read this and sack the manager Now.
Truth be told, if I was gonna lose my job as a football manager, I would ensure that my first 11 would bleed for me the team and the fans.
There are far too many celebs in football, and some Brazalians produce a big portion thereof.
Although I am not a LopT fan, I can only wish him well, hoping and praying that he and his players start clicking and get the team into Euro position.
Coyi – God bless West Ham.
My sentiments too. We have to trust in JLo’s judgement and leadership. Paq is a “luxury” player. The type of player you bring on when you’re already 2-0 up. Or well placed in the league. He doesn’t seem to be a player that will run his balls off for the fans/club.
Yes that what he is a luxury player.
Watch Bowen and even if it’s not his day he will give 100 percent effort compared to Paqueta with so much talent but only if he fancies it on the day.
Seems to me that Lopetegui doesn’t want anyone that knows more than he does but doesn’t hide it as well as some of the others do The sooner he is gone the sooner our best player will get back to their best
Knows more about what, specifically? And how did you calculate that Paqueta knows more than him about it?
Conversation killer?
the question Bulls**t man asked is valid. the comment from Markham is vague and uninformed so where’s the conversation killer? you or Markham. which one of you is Karren Brady? 🤣 surprised Annette didn’t blame Steidten for Mikey’s accident.
Love you too rc. Nice talking to you. XX