Lucas Paqueta ready to step up for Lopetegui at West Ham United after impressive Brazil display
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta was one of Brazil’s best players in their 1-0 win over Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Rodrygo’s 30th-minute goal proved to be the difference as the Selecao returned to winning ways following their quarter-final elimination from the 2024 Copa America, with Paqueta providing the assist.
Paqueta, playing in behind his striker as opposed to the deeper midfield role he has become accustomed to for his country, played 74 minutes before being replaced by Lucas Moura as Brazil saw out the victory.
Lucas Paqueta returns to form for Brazil in good news for West Ham
Paqueta entered the international break off the back of a concerning performance for the Hammers, being overrun in midfield during their 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the London Stadium.
However, he was back on song for the Selecao against Ecuador, recording a 7.4 SofaScore rating following that first-half assist for Rodrygo’s winning goal at the Estadio Couto Pereira in Curitiba.
The 27-year-old playmaker laid on the assist with his only key pass in the match, with 84 per cent of his attempted passes finding their targets including three of four attempted long balls.
Furthermore, Paqueta also saw two shots blocked by the Ecuador defence, and was also active in defence himself, making one clearance as well as intercepting two forward passes by the visitors.
On the ball, Paqueta had a mixed evening, winning three of five attempted ground duels and three from four in the air, but also lost possession on 11 occasions and conceded one free-kick.
Paqueta won three free-kicks himself, however, with his assist for Rodrygo’s winning goal capping off a strong performance which was a far cry from his poor showing against Manchester City last time out.
With another World Cup qualifier against Paraguay coming up before Paqueta returns to Premier League action in East London, Julen Lopetegui will be glad to see his number 10 back in form.
In other West Ham news, the club are on the verge of signing a new free agent and ExWHUEmployee has issued a transfer update.
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