Tony Cottee slams West Ham ace Paqueta after what he’s seen – ‘All over the place’
Tony Cottee has blasted Lucas Paqueta after what he has seen from the Brazilian for West Ham United, branding him “all over the place”.
Paqueta has been criticised for recent performances including during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest [2 November].
The 27-year-old is currently fighting Football Association charges of spot-fixing, allegations he has always strenuously denied.
When Ally McCoist asked Cottee live on talkSPORT [5 November] about the talent in the team’s attack, the former Iron said: “There’s a lot gone wrong, Ally, the front four – you’re right – there’s some talent. But Paqueta’s been all over the place in terms of what he’s got going on.
“[Crysencio] Summerville has boosted the ranks if anything but they signed [Niclas] Fullkrug, he’s been injured so we’ve not really seen him, and [Michail] Antonio’s now at the stage of his career where you get sort on inconsistent performances because of his age.
“Jarrod Bowen had a long old summer so he’s not been as effective as last season, so that’s your front four – that’s before you start dissecting the rest of the team.”
Lucas Paqueta in danger of fizzling out at West Ham
If it wasn’t for the abominable performances by other members of Julen Lopetegui’s squad alongside the major doubts of the ability of the head coach himself to lead the side long-term, Paqueta’s season would be far more magnified.
That said, the Brazil international has still come in for scathing criticism, which has picked up the pace following his recent anonymous displays.
Many, including Cottee, appear to be putting this down to his ongoing legal battle, during which Paqueta has consistently maintained his innocence but the process is sure to be weighing heavy on his mind.
Being without Paqueta could leave to a difficult domino effect for both the player and his club [The Athletic, 28 May], but for now he is fit and available – however, far from at his best.
Lopetegui’s side next host Everton on Saturday [9 November] with both sides approaching the game off the back of damaging defeats.
In other West Ham news, Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein believe this former Hammer would snub the chance to return.
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