By Daniel Feliciano

22nd May, 2023 | 9:10pm

Harry Redknapp names 'Exceptional' Lucas Paqueta in Premier League team of the week after West Ham United 3-1 win v Leeds United

Harry Redknapp has named Lucas Paqueta in his Premier League team of the week after his “exceptional” performance in West Ham United’s 3-1 win over Leeds.

The Hammers came from behind to claim a win in their final home game of the season to mathematically secure their status as a Premier League side for next season, just days after securing a place in the Europa Conference League final.

But it was the club’s record signing Paqueta who was the star of the show and while picking his team of the weekend for BetVictor (22 May), ex-Irons boss Redknapp singled the Brazilian out for special praise.

“Lucas Paqueta was exceptional against Leeds,” he said.

“Everything this fella does oozes class and quality and I thought he was the best player on the park.

“His assist for the third goal was just fantastic, the way he rolled the ball with his feet was lovely. It’s taken some time for him to fully settle but what a player West Ham could have here.”

Star

There’s no doubting that West Ham fans and most people believe that Declan Rice is the best player at the club these days, but it’s hard to argue that Paqueta isn’t right behind him.

After joining for a club-record £51m from Lyon it took him a while to really settle into the team and find his groove in the Premier League.

But his quality has never been in doubt, with brilliant moments of creativity and skill as well as glimpses of the dogged work-rate and never-say-die attitude that would have drawn David Moyes to his talents to begin with.

Rice is likely to leave this summer and whoever comes in to replace him will have huge shoes to fill, but a more settled and able Paqueta alongside them can only help and he will now be the man that the club look to for moments of inspiration and leadership.

He’s a top-level talent and is finally showing just why the fans supported him through a tough patch.