West Ham: Michail Antonio and Tom Cairney wowed by ‘tremendous’ Lucas Paqueta in new admission
West Ham United striker Michail Antonio and Fulham star Tom Cairney have been blown away by the “tremendous” performances of Lucas Paqeuta for the Irons this season.
The Brazilian midfielder returned to David Moyes’ starting XI for the Hammers’ 4-2 win over Brentford having recovered from injury and immediately stole the show with an excellent performance from the left wing.
While Jarrod Bowen earned a majority of the plaudits with his excellent hat trick on Monday (26 February) Antonio was quick to heap praise on Paqueta for his “unbelievable” performance despite playing out of position.
Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast (29 February) he said: “The guy is quality, he’s always looking for the final pass and he creates so much. It drags players out of position.
“Which people don’t realise, because he’s on the field, other people will try and double up and try and come across and it creates more space for other people. He’s playing that left-winger role unbelievable to be fair. Just unbelievable, an unbelievable footballer.”
Cairney quickly agreed saying: “That’s difficult playing on the side you kick on as well. He hasn’t got the pace to go on the outside you wouldn’t say but he’s just a tremendous footballer.”
Will West Ham keep Lucas Paqeuta amid transfer interest from Manchester City?
West Ham always look a much better side when Paqueta is fit and available and that has been reflected in the Hammers’ results this season. When the Brazilian is fit, the Irons tend to win, when he’s sidelined, they normally lose.
While some supporters will worry that Moyes has become too reliant on the midfielder, it shows just how important he is to the Scotsman’s plans at the London Stadium currently and keeping him fit between now and the end of the season could be crucial.
However, teams in the Premier League and beyond will be keen to secure Paqueta’s signature again this summer and the Irons may face a battle to keep him in East London amid interest from the likes of Manchester City.
Hopefully, Moyes and those around him will do all that they can to keep the 26-year-old in claret and blue for a while longer yet as it would be a shame to see his “tremendous” talent flourishing elsewhere in England.
In other West Ham news, Anton Ferdinand has named Eddie Howe as his preferred successor for Moyes at the London Stadium
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