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