This weekend sees the return of Premier League football after the international break – and for many of us that re-ignites many of the issues which were apparent in the three games which took place in August. For one Hammers’ star there are important questions to be answered.
Lucas Paqueta has a heavy burden to bear at present, dealing with the pressure of the pending FA enquiry with all outcomes possible from an outright ban to ‘carry on regardless’- difficult to stay on top of his game with that looming and critics have not been slow to point out his dip in form for club and country.
Paqueta now faces competition from Carlos Soler
In the recent Internationals there were signs that he was returning to decent form for Brazil, with an assist against Ecuador, but he did not escape criticism in his side’s defeat against Paraguay. Four defeats in five games now is uncharted water for the former world champions.
Upon returning from international duty he must be hoping for some relief at London Stadium but more trouble for Paq-man looms in the shape of Carlos Soler.
Having had two weeks working with head coach Lopetegui and the bulk of the West Ham United squad, loanee Soler will be raring to go after his move from Spain. Recruited to add creativity and energy to The Hammers’ game, Soler now offers the team options going forward specifically challenging Paqueta’s monopoly in midfield. No longer can our Brazilian maestro expect an automatic start if his form continues to flatline. It will be intriguing to see how Paqueta responds to the competition from Carlos Soler- perhaps we will see a resurgence in our number 10’s creativity.
If not, Lopetegui now has a viable alternative waiting in the wings – which can only be great for those of us watching from the sidelines.
We hope Paqueta responds by bringing his ‘A’ game- if so he can be our matchwinner. If form eludes him, we have another string to the bow sitting raring to go and ready to showcase his own talents to become a playmaker in Claret and Blue. I for one can’t wait to see how this impacts The Irons’ style and results.