Joe Cole believes Lucas Paqueta ‘perfect’ for West Ham United v Fiorentina, delivers ‘dream role’ verdict
Lucas Paqueta is the “perfect player” to rise to the pressure and deliver a strong performance for West Ham United in their upcoming Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina, according to Joe Cole.
After a quiet start to the Premier League season, the 25-year-old burst into life in the last couple of months, delivering classy displays in consecutive wins over Manchester United and Leeds United.
David Moyes’ side takes on the Italian club at the Eden Arena on Wednesday evening (7 June) as the Hammers eye their first piece of silverware since 1980.
Speaking to Football London, Cole admitted that the Brazilian could find himself in the “dream role” for the upcoming clash, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek mopping up defensively and allowing him the freedom to attack in the final third.
He said: “I think Paqueta will step up as well. Just looking at the characters, he is the perfect player for this. You can’t play for Brazil and not have the mentality to be a big player, you just can’t do it.
“He’s going to be crucial. Get him on the ball as much as you can in that midfield.
“That’ll be my message to Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice. Declan, you need to be the insurance, you need to keep us in the game. Can you get Lucas on the ball, turn in crucial areas, I’d be working on that.
“It’s almost a dream role for him because he’s got three runners, Bowen, Benrahma and Antonio. If you’re a midfielder like I was, that’s the dream. You want to get on the ball, get turned and have options to supply. He’s got a great role there.”
Perfect balance
Paqueta has always shown his best form when allowed to thrive in the final third with two defensive-minded midfielders slotting in behind him, and hopefully, Moyes will offer him this freedom in the Europa Conference League final.
Whenever the playmaker has played in a midfield two, he has been swamped and overrun, as was the case at points for Brazil at the Qatar World Cup.
However, in recent weeks, in a more forward-thinking role, he has come into his own.
West Ham United players knew they were getting a technically gifted player when they signed Paqueta from Lyon in a club-record deal, but the glimpses of class he has shown in the last few games have been mesmerising to watch.
His assist against Leeds United, when he turned defenders inside and out before putting the ball on a plate for Pablo Fornals, highlighted the game-changing ability he possesses.
Cole is bang on the money in his assessment of Paqueta’s role against Fiorentina.
He is West Ham’s trump card, and Moyes must ensure he plays him in the correct role.