West Ham United: UK newspapers react to Lucas Paqueta display in Brazil win v England
UK media has reacted to West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta as the midfielder starred in Brazil’s 1-0 victory over England in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (23 March).
The Hammers midfielder received a yellow card after just 34 minutes, cautioned after a series of fouls, before ending the match with six fouls. [FotMob]
Despite many calling for the Brazilian to be sent off, Paqueta continued to affect the game, smacking the base of the post and causing havoc against the England players, eventually being handed a 7 out of 10 rating.
Reporting for The Guardian on Saturday (23 March), Jacob Steinberg wrote: “West Ham midfielder hit the post, shot just wide and had fun at England’s expense at times. Lucky not to be sent off.”
The Daily Mail (23 March) had more praise for Paqueta, awarding him a 7.5 out of 10 rating, stating: “Sublime on the ball, aggressive off it. Upset the home crowd. Hit the post.”
West Ham ace Lucas Paqueta nuisance in England’s backyard
Paqueta caused the most controversy at Wembley on Saturday, with players, pundits and fans alike calling for referee Artur Dias to send the Hammers star off.
As one of the most fouled players in the Premier League, due to his trickery, ability on the ball and magic on the pitch, the Brazilian has experienced his fair share of frustrating fouls.
Paqueta clearly got his own back against England on the international stage, however, coming up against many of the same opposition that he faces week in and week out.
On another night, with a less lenient referee, or even in a competitive match, the 26-year-old may have been sent for an early shower, as too could Jude Bellingham after a tough challenge on Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes.
Both were cautioned for the respective challenges and remained on the pitch until being substituted in the second half. At the end of the day, it was only a friendly in preparation for Euro 2024, and with no serious injuries, other than Kyle Walker, there can be few complaints.
In other West Ham news, journalist Ben Jacobs has issued a transfer stance on one London Stadium-linked attacker.
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