Julen Lopetegui proven right over Lucas Paqueta concerns after what West Ham United star did
West Ham fans have been deeply concerned by Lucas Paqueta’s recent performances, and Julen Lopetegui has been too.
The Hammers’ most creative spark has been struggling in the final third this season, notching just two goal contributions in the first 11 Premier League matches, also blanking in the EFL Cup.
Having already been labelled a “liability” this term, Lopetegui has clearly been tempted to drop the 27-year-old from his starting XI [GiveMeSport], especially after being hooked at half-time against Manchester United.
It turned out to be the right decision as the Hammers eventually went on to seal all three points against the Red Devils at the London Stadium, and the head coach will now feel his gut instincts are justified.
With so much talent within the Brazil squad, Paqueta started on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Venezuela on Thursday 14 November before coming on for the final 25 minutes.
Julen Lopetegui gut instincts justified at West Ham United
With the score tied at 1-1 when he entered the field of play, many would have hoped that Paqueta had what it takes to make a telling difference against the 44th-ranked team in the world.
However, with just a 77 per cent passing accuracy and 19 touches of the ball [FotMob], Brazil were unable to find a winner despite Vinicius Jr and Raphinha still being on the pitch, with the former missing a penalty.
While he did win 100 per cent of his ground duels, he only won 50 per cent of his tackles and completed 50 per cent of his long balls, and he will likely return to East London lacking confidence.
That is unless he can help the side to a victory over a high-flying Uruguay side, and if his performances do not improve soon, Lopetegui will feel he has every right to drop him from the West Ham XI until things change.
Given that he ranks in the bottom 11 percentile for non-penalty goals and the bottom 39 percentile for assists [FBref], he is clearly underperforming against what most fans expect of him, and maybe of what his coach expects of him.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers could brutally axe a regular star for a £16million replacement in January.
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