Lucas Paqueta’s performance is under fire as West Ham battles to avoid relegation after a heavy defeat to Arsenal
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One player receiving a lot of criticism is Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian midfielder. His performances this season have not met expectations, and many are questioning his contributions to the team. Former West Ham manager Alan Pardew has voiced his concerns about Paqueta’s impact on the team’s defense.
Pardew acknowledged Paqueta’s impressive skills but pointed out that his lack of defensive effort makes him a liability at times. He believes that Paqueta’s shortcomings off the ball expose West Ham’s already weak defense, which struggles with speed and organization.
On TalkSport, Pardew stated, “He is almost like a liability at times when you haven’t got the ball. He has got unbelievable quality, and if I was at West Ham, I would play him. But I would certainly look at my back four and look for a bit more pace, a little bit more organization.”
Since joining West Ham in August 2022, Paqueta quickly became a fan favorite. He has scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 99 games. His most memorable moment was assisting Jarrod Bowen’s winning goal in the 2023 UEFA Europa Conference League final, which brought West Ham their first major European trophy in years.
However, with the team struggling in the league, Paqueta’s form and dedication are under scrutiny, adding pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui to turn things around. Off-field issues may also be affecting his performance. The 27-year-old is involved in a significant betting scandal, with the FA investigating claims that he may have manipulated bookings. If found guilty, he could face severe consequences, including never playing football again.
With these allegations hanging over him, Paqueta’s future at West Ham is uncertain. He has already been linked to a potential move away from England. It remains unclear if he can regain his top form amid these challenges or if his time at the club will be marked by disappointment and controversy.