Henry Winter calls out Lucas Paqueta over West Ham displays. Credit: talkSPORT / Imago
Henry Winter calls out Lucas Paqueta over West Ham displays. Credit: talkSPORT / Imago
Match

Henry Winter calls out Lucas Paqueta live on air after what he has seen at West Ham United

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Henry Winter has been disappointed by Lucas Paqueta's performances at West Ham so far this season.

Julen Lopetegui's disjointed attack has been a main source of frustration at the London Stadium, especially given Niclas Fullkrug's injury setbacks, but the Brazilian has taken the brunt of criticism.

Despite being one of the most creative forces in the squad, he has only notched two goals for the Hammers so far this season and has failed to impress the new manager.

Asked which players are not performing, Winter said live via talkSPORT on Sunday (3 November, 9:37am): "Kudus is a great player, but I don't think he's always played in his best position.

"Paqueta, whether it's down to whatever he's got on his mind at the moment, he's a good player but is absolutely not performing."

Lucas Paqueta continues to falter in new West Ham United season

With eight goals and seven assists in all competitions last season, there has been a drastic change in the player's displays, with Tom Rennie even suggesting that he should not be in the first team.

The likes of Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Kudus have the ability to light up the Premier League, especially if the Hammers begin to play free-flowing football.

However, without the key player linking the midfield to the attack, Lopetegui's style of play will be difficult to integrate at the London Stadium if Paqueta does not move into a new gear.

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui is off to a rocky start at West Ham United. (Credit: Imago)

Lopetegui has been told to stick with his gut instincts after he was tipped to leave the Brazilian out versus Manchester United [GiveMeSport], a decision that would have paid off, given he was replaced at half-time.

The issues in East London are far more than just one player underperforming, but Paqueta's worries on and off the pitch will certainly not be doing anything to help the new manager turn things around.

In other West Ham news, a report has revealed how many games Mohammed Kudus could be banned for, with a decision to be made next week.

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Henry Winter
Lucas Paqueta
West Ham
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