Pundit blown away by ‘incredible’ Lucas Paqueta in West Ham United player of the season so far verdict
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes Lucas Paqueta has been “incredible” for West Ham this season, with Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio also impressing.
All three players have been key under David Moyes in the new campaign, with McAvennie also praising the defenders in claret and blue.
The East London club currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with four wins, one draw and two losses so far.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Bowen is good isn’t he? I like Bowen. If Antonio wasn’t back to his old self, we wouldn’t be the team that we are now. Because the way we play, you need somebody up front working hard, and that’s what Antonio does.
“Danny Ings can’t do that, so if Antonio doesn’t do that we’re in trouble, because he’s doing that and it’s part of the team and it’s working because of the way he runs and fights up front.
“And when we get the ball he’s so good at holding it. He’s strong, so he can hold it up. That gives confidence to the midfield players because they can go past him because they know he won’t lose the ball, and that’s all part of the strategy, and it’s a good one.
“But I like Bowen, and I’ve got to be honest I’m getting more and more attached to Paqueta. Some of his touches are just ‘Wow.’ He’s incredible. I’m impressed with him. As a striker, I would have loved to have had a player of that calibre behind me, because he’s got a great touch and great vision.
“He can see a pass and he takes a chance, I like that. And if he makes a mistake he makes a mistake, who cares? That’s the way it should be. You have to give the defenders credit too, they have been great.”
Bowen netted the club’s opening goal in their most recent match, a 2-0 Premier League win over Sheffield United on Saturday (30 September).
And Antonio chipped in with an assist, with the striker setting up Tomas Soucek for the other goal at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports journalist has mooted an international call-up for one “sensational” Hammers player.