Brazil newspaper reacts to Lucas Paqueta performance as West Ham United player gets 5/10 rating
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta started for Brazil in their 1-0 win against Switzerland on Monday (28 November) in the World Cup Group G game.
The Hammers midfielder was taken off at the break, and Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte (online edition) has given him a 5/10 rating for his performance.
The newspaper described him as “brilliant” for his pass to Richarlison in the first half, but they noted that he “rushed” to make things happen.
“With a more rhythmic style, he played a very different role from Neymar,” wrote the newspaper.
“He was looking for the ball further back, but he had little approach and little entry into the area. He hit a beautiful first pass for Richarlison to look for a cross for Vinicius. He advanced the ball too much on the counterattack and, for two moments, he rushed to try high launches.”
Different role
Brazil have progressed to the knock-out rounds of the competition after they sealed back-to-back victories.
It was once again a vintage attacking performance from the Selecao, but they were too wasteful with their chances. In the end, a fantastic finish from Casemiro earned them the victory against the Swiss.
The injury to Neymar has forced Tite to reshape his plans. Paqueta, who normally plays as a central midfielder, was asked to play a bit high up the pitch.
The control in midfield that we normally see from the West Ham midfielder was missing as he was more focussed on creating chances for the forwards.
Prior to the game, it was feared that Paqueta could miss the game with an injury. He was taken off at the break, probably due to precaution, or it could be a tactical change as well.
With Brazil having already sealed their progress to the next round, let’s hope Paqueta will get another chance in the final group game.