Pundit eyes Lucas Paqueta as Declan Rice West Ham United replacement
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes Lucas Paqueta can be a long-term replacement for Declan Rice as the West Ham United captain’s future remains in doubt.
Football London reported (14 December) that Rice is still Chelsea’s number one transfer target and the West London club are expected to make a move in the summer.
However, McAvennie believes the Hammers’ replacement could already be on their books with Paqueta yet to show his full potential after his £51million move from Lyon (Sky Sports, 29 August).
“You’ve got Paqueta coming into the midfield as well and I think he could be a good replacement [for Rice] rather than anyone else,” McAvennie exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“I think he’s got the experience to do that and he will have the experience to go and let the boys go and play around him. They’re certainly too good to be sat in 17th position.
“Moyes has got to be careful and he’s got to hit the ground running and get some points on the board quickly.”
Paqueta has predominantly operated in a more advanced role for the Hammers so far in the 2022/23 season but has played a deeper role for Brazil.
The 25-year-old did well in the early stages of the World Cup but really struggled as Brazil crashed out in the quarter-final stage to Croatia. All eyes will be on David Moyes to see where he feels Paqueta’s best position is for the remainder of the season.