West Ham United: BBC pundit dubs Lucas Paqueta ‘best in the Premier League’ v Aston Villa
Danny Gabbidon dubbed Lucas Paqueta one of the “best in the Premier League” at drawing fouls during the 2-1 West Ham win against Aston Villa at the London Stadium.
The BBC Sport pundit was stunned by the Brazilian’s ability in tight spaces as he drew a foul when left with no other option when pinned by the corner flag.
Paqueta has received high praise for his performances in a West Ham shirt this season, but the attention has also earned him transfer interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Speaking live on BBC Radio 5 [17 March, 14:24], Gabbidon gushed: “He’s one of the best in the Premier League at drawing fouls, Paqueta. He’s got nowhere to go, really. You could say it’s a silly foul to give away from Rogers.
“He’s got nowhere to go, right deep in the corner by the corner flag, looking for something to open up and Rogers just gives a silly foul away.”
Lucas Paqueta shines as West Ham return to form v Aston Villa
After a difficult 2-2 draw against Burnley in their last Premier League clash, the Hammers bounced back in perfect fashion with a 5-0 demolition of Freiburg in the Europa League, but were frustrated in another stalemate here with Villa.
Paqueta has been one of the stars of the season, and he was bitterly missed in the period he spent injured around Christmas and the new year which saw the club’s form drop and pressure on David Moyes’ job hit new heights.
The Brazilian has recorded three goals and five assists in the Premier League from 22 appearances, and while his stats may not look convincing, they do not tell the full story of the impact he has had at the London Stadium.
With his flair and ability on show once again against Villa, it may prove a difficult task to keep him in East London beyond the end of the season, although given the level of interest surrounding his signature, this may prove a tough task.
In other West Ham news, the club have been told to cut ties with Kalvin Phillips.
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