Lucas Paqueta a ‘liability’ as West Ham United ace slammed for what he did at London Stadium
Don Hutchinson has torn into Lucas Paqueta labelling the West Ham man a “liability” after what he saw at the London Stadium.
The Brazilian attacking midfielder started the Hammers’ disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea last time out in the Premier League but struggled to make an impact either with or without the ball.
While the majority of the blame for that performance was levelled at Julen Lopetegui, BBC Sport pundit Hutchinson was quick to slam the Hammers star for unwillingness to track back out of possession.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s Football Daily podcast (27 September, 30:33) he said: “Paqueta is one of these players that I have commentated on quite a few times.
“There is no doubting his ability. He is a brilliant technician, but when he hasn’t got the ball he’s a liability. He showed in the Chelsea game he’s unwilling to track back and the lack of intent to try and help his teammates was quite startling.
“He plays for himself and I go back to it, he’s a really good player, but West Ham are just lacking.”
What has happened to Lucas Paqueta at West Ham and the London Stadium?
As Hutchinson suggests, when Paqueta is good he is excellent to watch as there are few players in the Premier League as technically gifted with the ball at their feet as the Hammers star.
However, when the Brazilian is off of the pace or not quite at the races, he can be one of the division’s most frustrating players and really let his teammates down with a lack of energy and drive out of possession.
Lopetegui needs to find a way of keeping the 27-year-old at his best week in and week out if he wants to get this side firing on all cylinders. While that won’t be easy, the former Real Madrid manager needs to find a solution quickly.
Pressure is already mounting on the Hammers boss after a miserable start to the Premier League campaign and while he isn’t thought to be close to the sack [Fabrizio Romano, 22 September], his position could become untenable if the Irons continue to slip down the table.
Somehow, Lopetegui needs to get Paqueta back to his brilliant best and get West Ham back to winning ways in the Premier League.
In other West Ham news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been mooted as a replacement for Lopetegui live on air
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