Eye-catching stat proves Lucas Paqueta is striving for West Ham United despite off-field adversity
An eye-catching stat has proven that Lucas Paqueta is striving at West Ham despite the off-field adversity he is currently facing.
Stats specialist Squawka tweeted an image on 11 September that shows the Brazil international has won possession for the Hammers 43 times this season, more than any other player in Europe’s top seven leagues.
This comes despite the news that the 26-year-old midfielder is facing allegations that he has breached the FA’s rules on gambling.
There is no doubt that it has been an extremely challenging time for Paqueta recently on the back of the investigation into his off-field activities.
He also saw a potential move to Manchester City fall through following the allegations after it was revealed he was keen to join the Premier League champions.
But his performances since then for West Ham have been exceptional as he looks committed to helping the club improve this season.
The midfielder has played a crucial role over the past few weeks, having scored a penalty in the victory over Chelsea and set up Jarrod Bowen in the success at Luton Town last time out.
The stat that shows he’s won the ball back the most times out of any player in Europe’s top leagues is a clear indication of the level he is currently operating at.
It’s even more impressive when you factor in that he is more of an attacking player, but it’s his tireless, combative performances that have helped him stand out above the rest.
Paqueta has averaged 1.8 shots per game during the opening four matches of this campaign, with 0.8 of those efforts being on target [SofaScore].
He has taken 65 touches a match and created two big chances, while his pass accuracy has been 74 per cent in his attacking midfield role.
But it’s his defensive stats that have really caught the eye, having made 1.5 interceptions, 4.5 tackles and 10.5 ball recoveries for his side.
There are many players who would have crumbled under the uncertainty the Brazilian has been facing over the past few weeks and how much his situation has been talked about in the media.
But he hasn’t let that get the better of him and, if anything, he has raised his game as he looks to help the Irons build upon their solid start in the Premier League this season.
In other West Ham news, Moyes has been granted sole responsibility as a transfer decision is set to be made in the next 24 hours.