Lucas Paqueta concern emerges at West Ham United after what's happened this season

West Ham United should drop Lucas Paqueta due to several reasons on and off the field plaguing the Brazilian, according to Roshane Thomas.

The Athletic's Hammers reporter [14 November] contributed to an article which named a "surprise" player - for better or for worse - from each Premier League club at this stage of the season.

Paqueta has come in for heavy criticism this season, but is still often favoured by Julen Lopetegui despite the issues that have held him back, including his vehement denial of serious spot-fixing allegations that led to FA charges.

Thomas said: "Paqueta’s form has nosedived to the extent it may be in West Ham’s interests for the playmaker not to be in the starting XI. The 27-year-old no longer plays with the confidence that made him a sought-after talent ... his impact has tailed off since the latter stages of 2023-24.

"Off the field, Paqueta was charged with misconduct by the FA in May in relation to yellow cards he received. He denies all charges but could receive a lifetime ban if found guilty.

"On the field, there have been other concerns like his lack of discipline and he has been at fault for some of the goals conceded. A spell on the bench could be the best course of action."

West Ham United to persist with Lucas Paqueta?

Paqueta appears to be playing within himself, the exact body language of a man affected by the extent of what is going on very publicly in the background, and is symptomatic of his side's overall performance this term.

The Brazil international has scored twice this season but has so far failed to provide an assist and has been regularly substituted - despite playing the full 90 minutes in the Hammers' last two.

He has also been shown a yellow card seven times for club and country since the start of this Premier League campaign, including a run of four straight games booked which ended with the weekend's goalless draw with Everton [9 November].

The peak of Paqueta's powers, unfortunately for the Hammers, came when it appeared he would be making a big-money switch, with Manchester City heavily linked with acquiring his services.

The attacking midfielder's legal case, however, has appeared to put paid to any sensational move such as this one, as he looks to rediscover his best form.

If he is removed by Lopetegui from the firing line for a short spell, it could work out more positively for him in the longer term.

In other West Ham news, Simon Jordan misses the point while discussing David Moyes at the Irons.

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