Jamie Carragher makes Paqueta to Liverpool claim after what he saw at West Ham
Lucas Paqueta’s “lack of athleticism” at West Ham could prevent a team like Liverpool from signing him, Jamie Carragher has said.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Fan Debate (3 February), Carragher said he was blown away by Paqueta’s display against Aston Villa, describing the Hammers’ number 10 as a “bit of a throwback”.
However, he argued that Paqueta’s style wouldn’t suit a highly system-orientated team such as Slot’s league-leading Liverpool side, with midfielders such as the more athletic Dominik Szoboszlai preferred.
Carragher said: “I was commentating on West Ham – I’m just watching Paqueta thinking ‘oh my’.
“Every time he brought the ball down on his chest or on his shoulder, he was like a little bit of a throwback, where I was actually thinking – would Liverpool sign him?
“I look at his lack of athleticism, and think ‘would that stop a top team [signing him]’. I think of Liverpool, [and] I was actually thinking, Slot would probably prefer Szoboszlai than maybe a Paqueta.”
Lucas Paqueta transfer on the cards at West Ham?
Paqueta being mooted with a move to one of the Premier League’s leading sides is nothing new, given he was the subject of a long-running saga which saw Manchester City ramp up their interest in the Brazilian.
While the 27-year-old’s FA betting charges and upcoming verdict put paid to any prospect of a big-money transfer any time soon, there’s no denying that if proven innocent, he’ll be a hugely sellable asset.
Paqueta’s languid style of play can often be a source of frustration for Hammers fans – particularly when they’re under the cosh – there’s no denying that on his day, the Brazilian can be awe-inspiring.
Those days have been few and far between for much of this season, with Paqueta one of the players hampered by the bizarre and unsuccessful playing style implemented by former boss Julen Lopetegui.
Graham Potter is slowly starting to unlock the Hammers’ best players once again, but it remains to be seen what the future holds for Paqueta – a player whose prospects are shrouded in uncertainty.
In other West Ham news, one Irons star showed why he should still be in Potter’s first-choice XI despite their two new additions.
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