West Ham United ace Emerson heaps praise on Lucas Paqueta – ‘He has everything’
West Ham United defender Emerson Palmieri has heaped praise upon his Brazilian teammate Lucas Paqueta, claiming he has everything he needs to become a top player at the London Stadium.
The left-back is close friends with Paqueta, having played together at French side Lyon before both eventually made their way to East London to resume their link-up for West Ham.
Emerson also aimed a light-hearted dig at Paqueta’s dancing, claiming as soon as he starts he removes himself from the situation, keen not to get involved and embarrass himself.
Speaking to The Athletic on 29 September, Emerson was full of praise for his Brazilian teammate, saying: “He has everything, from power, skills and he loves the game.
“He has what it takes to become a top player. He’s like a brother, but when he starts to dance, I always tell him, ‘I’m out’. It’s only Lucas dancing, never me! We played together in Lyon and when I joined the club, he helped me feel settled.
“When he arrived here last season, I was more than happy to return the favour and help him. Not just about what to expect in the Premier League but outside as well, like learning the language. I help him translate and like I said, that guy is a brother to me.”
Good vibes at the London Stadium
Having close relationships between players always leads to a better dressing room atmosphere, and that in turn leads to more positivity around the club and better results on the pitch.
Players being happy to be at the club, and having teammates they feel they can connect with not just on the pitch but away from football as well will only prove a positive step as the Hammers look to cultivate a strong dressing room with good relationships.
As well as a positive dressing room atmosphere, having players who are good friends off the pitch allows easier integration into the side. New arrivals at the London Stadium will be met by friendly faces, which is always a positive.
For Emerson and Paqueta, the hope will be that their relationship will go from strength to strength both on and off the pitch to the benefit of the club as they look to challenge for further silverware after last season’s success.
In other West Ham news, a 100% star will now be pushing for a first-team place after impressive displays.