First Team Squad
Player profile and performance records.
Lucas Paqueta (Midfielder)
Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta Island, BrazilPosition: Midfielder
Born: 27th Aug 1997 (Paqueta Island, Brazil)
Signed: 29th Aug 2022 (£36,770,000)
Contract: 5 years + 1 year option
Previous Club: Lyon
KUMB Awards: None.
The fee for the Brazilian international was confirmed by former club Lyon to be ?,?61.63million (??52.76million) which includes potential bonuses of ?,?18.68million (??16million), which are to be "spread over the player's five-year contract and which may accrue an additional incentive of 10% on any capital gain".
That means West Ham's initial payment for Paqueta was ?,?42.95million (??36.77million) - still below the ??45million paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Sebastien Haller in 2019 but should all bonuses be paid, the club's record transfer fee by some considerable margin.
Paqueta changed his shirt number from number 11 to number 10 in July 2023.
vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-1: Saturday, 7th December(Played 26 minutes, sub)
(Soler 64') Didn't make a big impact, but did stick to his defensive role in late stages. However, took some risks, as ever.
vs Leicester City
1-3: Tuesday, 3rd December(Soler 62) He came on with some determination and was aware enough to cover the full backs on runs forward, but made no impression with the ball.
vs Arsenal
2-5: Saturday, 30th November(Played 90 minutes)
A couple of those silly lapses costing goals again. The team seems to perform to around the level Paqueta does, and his season so far has been poor.
vs Newcastle United
2-0: Saturday, 23rd November(Played 90 minutes)
n partnership with Soucek, and with a player like Soler much more on his wavelength, Paqueta put in another good performance and his best of the season. Combative without losing discipline, creative without being careless - one backheel aside - and an influence all over the park. This is why Lopetegui was not dropping him, because getting the best out of your best players is a basic principle of successful management.
vs Everton
0-0: Saturday, 9th November(Played 90 minutes)
The big chances all came from Paqueta's vision and passing. He worked hard, defended physically, and created with ingenuity and speed in big moments.
vs Manchester United
2-1: Saturday, 26th October(Played 45 minutes)
It?EUR(TM)s not working, whether that?EUR(TM)s down to him and his situation, the management of the team, his relationship with the new manager or a combination of all. Needs to change his position or just watch from the bench for a while.
vs Tottenham Hotspur
1-4: Saturday, 19th October(Played 61 minutes)
Lackadaisical, foolish, weak. Whilst criticism towards him has been somewhat harsh, this game was the worst of him.
vs Ipswich Town
4-1: Saturday, 5th October(Played 90 minutes)
A goal he deserved for following in the run and for trying to create all game. It was a basic error for the Ipswich opener, but not a major one.
vs Brentford
1-1: Saturday, 28th September(Played 75 minutes)
Drifted in and out of the game at times, but credit goes to him on the goal. Not just the skill and composure, but determination and strength. He needs support, he's playing a creative game alone.
vs Liverpool
1-5: Wednesday, 25th September(Played 30 minutes, sub)
vs Chelsea
0-3: Saturday, 21st September(Played 72 minutes)
It has become very popular to bash Lucas Paqueta, but he's playing in a team where nobody else has a hint of imagination in their passing. Kilman is a better passer than any of the other midfielders, although Soler could prove that wrong.
vs Fulham
1-1: Saturday, 14th September(Played 45 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Soucek 46) Just added someone in midfield who would take the ball and want it. He started looking forward with the ball, trying to move it around to create attacks, and that was completely missed in the first half.
vs Manchester City
1-3: Saturday, 31st August(Played 90 minutes)
The first goal was possibly more Emerson than him, but the way he flicked his leg at it looked so casual that it won't help perception. He's improving under the manager, and he does seem the only player in the team capable of playing in every third of the pitch.
vs AFC Bournemouth
1-0: Wednesday, 28th August(Played 30 minutes, sub)
(Replaced Ward-Prowse, 60) Without being near his best, it was again clear that the team can barely function without him.
vs Crystal Palace
2-0: Saturday, 24th August(Played 90 minutes)
Not a strong performance, but the Brazilian is being judged by different standards to many of his teammates. They just expect more. But he is now learning the centre midfield role that Lopeteugui wants, after two seasons learning how Moyes first wanted him as a number 10, and then as a left winger. His problem might be that Soucek in that attacking midfield role has been key in 2 of 3 West Ham goals this season, so Alvarez's return might push Paqueta out, rather than up.
vs Aston Villa
1-2: Saturday, 17th August(Played 90 minutes)
In his moments, you can see why he?EUR(TM)s so important, whilst the penalty needed nerve. But he disappeared in the game too often and, as we all know, that indiscipline is a problem. There is something to playing him deeper, getting your best passer on the ball to open up the game, but it?EUR(TM)ll need to be in a functioning midfield.
Manchester City
1-3: Sunday, 19th MayLess dramatics, but no real impact. Felt like a failed audition.
Liverpool
2-2: Saturday, 27th AprilCrystal Palace
2-5: Sunday, 21st AprilIn contrast, Paqueta was lazy, immature and just outright poor. Sloppy on the ball, petulant with opponents, the referee and, most frustratingly, his own teammates. He's a top level player, but his mentality is why he's at a club like West Ham.
Fulham
0-2: Saturday, 13th AprilSloppy in possession on both goals. Too carefree. And then petulant when he feels hard done by from the referee, getting another stupid booking that could have been a red for blatantly kicking a man. It wasn't quite McGinn a few weeks back, but wasn't far from it.
Bayer Leverkusen
0-2: Thursday, 11th AprilExcellent anticipation for the goal and a controlled performance in the middle.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-1: Saturday, 6th AprilA performance rescued by a goal, and a couple late chances he created. Otherwise, he seemed disinterested and just lazy.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-1: Saturday, 6th AprilA performance rescued by a goal, and a couple late chances he created. Otherwise, he seemed disinterested and just lazy.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-1: Tuesday, 2nd AprilA joy to watch again in the middle, where that street fighter energy is much more on show. Made the most tackles in the game, a good share of fouls, too, and is a disruptive force in the middle, whilst having better passing angles.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-1: Tuesday, 2nd AprilDidn't dictate the game like he normally would but his defensive work rate was impressive.
Newcastle United
3-4: Saturday, 30th MarchExcellent assist for Antonio, and whilst his theatrics are plainly annoying, someone in this team needs to be an irritant. We are too nice, but all his falling down is probably what inspired Schar to do it, and not only did we benefit, but it was the Brazilian who was aware of the play and took the quick freekick.
Newcastle United
3-4: Saturday, 30th MarchVery good assists for the first goal and he dictated the game up until the point where Antonio went off.
Newcastle United
3-4: Saturday, 30th MarchVery good assists for the first goal and he dictated the game up until the point where Antonio went off.
Aston Villa
1-1: Saturday, 16th MarchThe most dangerous passer in the team by a long stretch. Didn't take over or dominate, but played well and is showing that those who thought him too ill-disciplined on the ball in the centre are not quite right.
SC Freiburg
5-0: Thursday, 14th MarchExcellent anticipation for the goal and a controlled performance in the middle.
Burnley
2-2: Sunday, 10th MarchApart from the goal he didn't do much in the game in a similar performance to Freiburg mid-week.
Burnley
2-2: Sunday, 10th MarchA poor first half was recovered by a second half where he created chances, threatened goal and looked to be finding his form again.
SC Freiburg
0-1: Thursday, 7th MarchThe more frustrated he got, the more flicks and tricks he seemed to try that didn’t come off. A poor game, he’ll need to produce much more to get his club through.
Brentford
4-2: Monday, 26th FebruaryFaded as the game went on, recovering his fitness will take a little time, but his influence cannot be quantified easily. The whole team, every player, looked a different proposition with him on the pitch. His link play was vital, and he also has a little bit of an edge that riles opponents, and also wins us freekicks that can disrupt.
Bristol City
1-1: Sunday, 7th JanuaryDidn't make 15 minutes, but pulled out an assist that you wouldn't fancy anyone else in that team could have provided.
Arsenal
2-0: Tuesday, 26th DecemberDid a fine job defending that flank and holding onto possession during his time on the pitch. Hopefully a short injury.
Arsenal
2-0: Tuesday, 26th DecemberPlayed well in the limited time he was on the pitch.
Manchester United
2-0: Saturday, 23rd DecemberIrresistable when he's in this kind of mood. The lofted pass with the outside of the boot that led to Bowen's opening goal was simply outrageous.
Liverpool
1-5: Wednesday, 20th December(Replaced Benrahma, 57) Didn’t do anything in the game as the tie was already done.
Freiburg
2-0: Thursday, 14th DecemberThe odd sloppy moment, the odd brilliant one. Great pass to get Alvarez moving for his goal, a nice chance created for Emerson, and so unlucky to hit the bar. But then he plays a careless pass or dallies in possession and the opposition can counter.
Fulham
0-5: Saturday, 9th DecemberHe's looked lost out wide lately, but failed spectacularly as a 10 in a central area. Didn't seem to want to get in and do the work defensively, but only really showed one moment where he could offer an attacking threat. His dip in form is staggering now.
Tottenham Hotspur
2-1: Tuesday, 5th DecemberA poor first-half performance was made up for with a great second-half performance. Some excellent game management towards the end as well.
Tottenham Hotspur
2-1: Tuesday, 5th DecemberA poor first half, where he looked lost and disinterested, became a much better second half. He's a very good defender when he's put to the task.
Crystal Palace
1-1: Saturday, 2nd DecemberPoor performance by his standards as he failed to live up to his usual best.
Nottingham Forest
3-2: Sunday, 12th NovemberTook his goal brilliantly and roamed once more from that left wing position to influence the game. Probably could have finished it a couple times late on, one way or another, but the Brazilian left his mark on the game and fought for the points.
Nottingham Forest
3-2: Sunday, 12th NovemberGreat reactions for the first goal and dictated the game throughout. Could have been an eight if his decision making was better.
Olympiacos
1-0: Thursday, 9th NovemberA wonderful goal, created some good chances and battled well in midfield. Some of the histrionics could be cut out.
Olympiacos
1-0: Thursday, 9th NovemberGreat finish for the winner but in the game he didn't really provide any impact.
Arsenal
3-1: Wednesday, 1st NovemberBack to his best in this game with an entertaining performance whilst also doing the physical side excellently.
Arsenal
3-1: Wednesday, 1st NovemberThe best player on the pitch, and he made it look like Arsenal had bought the wrong midfielder. Just much better in the middle, both individually and for the team. Creates, fights, smart and feisty, it just works. Led attacks, played cute balls, even brought out the tricks towards the end.
Everton
0-1: Saturday, 28th OctoberCreated our best chances of the game but was pretty poor on the ball, which is unlike him.
Everton
0-1: Saturday, 28th OctoberPetulance got him suspended, and it interrupted his game too often. A second week where a bit of space in the box leads to him trying the acrobatic when he could make a simpler and more effective choice.
Olympiacos
1-2: Thursday, 26th October(Replaced Fornals 58) Rating would be a lot lower if he didn't score that spectacular goal as he gave the ball away on three occasions when West Ham were building attacks.
Olympiacos
1-2: Thursday, 26th October(Replaced Fornals 58) Attitude was appalling, but he's also a madly talented nuisance and took his goal beautifully. Spent the rest of it fouling players who he'd let tackle him.
Aston Villa
1-4: Saturday, 21st OctoberTidy in the first half but soon tailed off in the second half when he gave the ball away for the penalty.
Aston Villa
1-4: Saturday, 21st OctoberCouldn't create, and whilst he had nice moments, they didn't really amount to anything. Then he plays a criminal pass back into his box and Álvarez is forced into a difficult spot, which he makes the worst of.
Newcastle United
2-2: Saturday, 7th OctoberSome beautiful football, the best player on the pitch overall. Very good work when put up front, just working himself hard to defend, bring others in and being all-round tactically aware.
Sheffield United
2-0: Saturday, 30th SeptemberRoamed centrally when he felt starved of the ball, and always influences the team. He’s the heartbeat, and his quieter second half influenced the team in that respect, too.
FK TSC Backa Topola
3-1: Thursday, 21st SeptemberRight to be furious with Antonio for a wasting the chance the Brazilian created. Controlled West Ham's game, which meant he controlled the game.
Luton Town
2-1: Friday, 1st SeptemberGot into the battle, kept his head, and in a game with little space, played with intensity, the cohesive unit in the middle won it, and Paqueta then did what you pay the big money for, he stood up and created the goal.
Brighton & Hove Albion
3-1: Saturday, 26th AugustThe appeal of Paqueta in a more orthodox left midfield role makes sense in a game like this, but it really only works when stuck defending this much. He's a game defender, and you could see why a dominant possession side might want him in deeper midfield positions. Pulled out a great pass to Antonio.
Bournemouth
1-1: Saturday, 12th AugustIf it was to be his final game for West Ham, there was no indication this might be the case. The Brazilian himself into every challenge and produced a fully-committed performance.
Fiorentina
2-1: Wednesday, 7th JuneHe started to cause some problems in the second half, but it would have gone down as a performance on the fringes until that pass. It was perfection in a moment, the only choice, and one made and delivered with the precision required.
Leicester City
1-2: Sunday, 28th MayPlayed within himself, on the fringes of things as he kept out of any battle and danced his way through the game. Paqueta looked like a player who wanted to have fun, but without wanting to work for it.
Leeds United
3-1: Sunday, 21st MayHis influence on the game grew and grew, and as it became relaxed and the football became fun, he excelled. He brings out the best in others when it comes to linking play and putting on a show.
AZ Alkmaar
1-0: Thursday, 18th MayThe pick of the bunch. Supported Antonio fantastically, outclassed his opponents constantly and had the physical strength to bully them when the silky skills didn't. He now looks completely at home in this side, making brilliant runs and breaks on the counter, finding better passes for the direct runners and threatening goal more. He's the key.
AZ Alkmaar
2-1: Thursday, 11th MayWhen he was good, he was a joy to watch. But he abject at the start of the second half and was lucky to stay on. Came to life with Benrahma and his touch is often superb.
Manchester United
1-0: Sunday, 7th MaySome unbelievable touches from the Brazilian, who is finally beginning to find his feet following his move from Lyon last summer. Still gives the ball away a little too cheaply at times, which on this occasion didn't prove costly.
Manchester City
0-3: Wednesday, 3rd MayRealistically, it’s a 7/10 performance. But in a game where West Ham were drilled and solid, but not that exciting, Paquetá looked confident on the ball where others didn’t, and added in sprinkles of exciting skill to get the fans off their feet.
Crystal Palace
3-4: Saturday, 29th AprilHe looked tired as it went on against Liverpool, and that came into this game with him. Never at the pace of things.
Liverpool
1-2: Wednesday, 26th AprilThe more he influences games, the better West Ham look. An excellent goal, but it’s the way he’s demanding the ball and orchestrating things that really shines.
Bournemouth
4-0: Sunday, 23rd AprilIt might be that the freedom to play almost alongside Antonio has helped, but it's more likely that good performances from the attacking unit have unlocked Paqueta. The header was bruising, but he just seemed to fit within the structure more than ever. Having Antonio looking sharp and moving better is a huge help.
Gent
4-1: Thursday, 20th AprilA very good performance, if you ignore the awful error which gifted Gent the lead. Those moments happen too often with Paquetá, just lazy, sloppy passes and touches. Cut them out and continue his growing influence on the good things we do and he'll be a star.
Arsenal
2-2: Sunday, 16th AprilGrew into the game in the second half, but was good pushing hard on that press and won the penalty. Needs to cut out some of the casual play that he gets caught on.
Newcastle United
1-5: Wednesday, 5th AprilOne of the few who keeps battling, one of the few who kept trying to play. Let down by a slack team around him. Soucek is a problem in midfield, we don't have a good striker to play into or to make runs, Benrahma was a non-entity. He is being judged to a different standard from the rest, based on people's expectations of an expensive Brazilian.
Southampton
1-0: Sunday, 2nd April10 tackles in a league game is the highest for a West Ham player since Mo Diame in 2012. A couple of those were tackles he had to make after losing the ball, but his grit was a big positive in a very hard to enjoy game. It also gives credence to those who believe we have enough defensively to not need a third battler like Soucek.
AEK Larnaca
4-0: Thursday, 16th MarchNever really got out of first gear, but played some lovely linking football and appeared to enjoy having Lanzini and Fornals around him.
Aston Villa
1-1: Sunday, 12th MarchWas quietly good until he got booked, and then it felt a risk to keep him on. He was always going to be replaced once it happened, and it was a needless yellow. He has a habit of picking those up. But he was doing well on the ball from box-to-box, won the penalty and created chances.
AEK Larnaca
2-0: Thursday, 9th March(Replaced Lanzini 77) Poor passing and then missed a big chance.
Brighton & Hove Albion
0-4: Saturday, 4th MarchThe midfield issues were one symptom of a disjointed team that didn't do enough defending on the front foot, was exposed when pressing meekly and then outplayed by Brighton on the ball. Was always going to be hard for Rice and Paqueta with how poor the front three (and later two) were, as well as Soucek's inability to play under any pressure.
Manchester United
1-3: Wednesday, 1st MarchThe midfield was having a strong game until they were really tested, at which point they crumbled. A wild booking for a sloppy hack on Garnacho was a real contrast to the swagger he had played with when West Ham were on top.
Nottingham Forest
4-0: Saturday, 25th FebruaryHe doesn't really run a game like you would hope, but the price tag probably gives a different impression than the player he is. It was the moment with the second goal, where he calmly beats a man by flicking it over his head, takes it down and then plays the right pass. He's also a better defender than he's given credit for, which means the manager could play Fornals or Lanzini over someone like Soucek and not be an obvious risk.
Chelsea
1-1: Saturday, 11th FebruaryRemains to be seen how serious an injury it was, but West Ham defended better after he was withdrawn, granted he only played 13 minutes.
Newcastle United
1-1: Saturday, 4th FebruaryA little iffy moments when caught on the ball, and he may have been better served getting proper control of the ball when losing it for the first goal, but a very energetic performance and clear signs that his partnership with Rice is growing. Showed more attacking intent and deserved his goal, which he took with a composure severely lacking across this squad.
Everton
2-0: Saturday, 21st JanuaryIt is great to see Paquetá making this midfield work. His passing has helped the team, and taken a burden off Rice, but he digs in and seems to enjoy the defensive work, too. He needs a game where he just runs the show to really settle his reputation with the fans, but they really should be enjoying the beauty and the graft that combine in his work.
Wolves
0-1: Saturday, 14th JanuaryHe did try to press at times, and he does pass it better than most our players, but it wasn’t something that really worked today, and he looked lost as we went chasing.
Brentford
1-0: Saturday, 7th JanuaryHe's given an extra point for giving this reporter something to watch in a game so incredibly boring to sit through. Endeavour to create, to set a tempo, to find space and find clever passes is just so refreshing in a team that lacks imagination once it's out of form. Sure, it didn't always come off, but it's no surprise the best attacking move of the game came from his passing.
Leeds United
2-2: Wednesday, 4th JanuaryProbably West Ham's best player. The midfield is, for the first time this season, looking functional, and that is because the manager has finally understood he can get more from Paqueta starting deeper. The penalty was superb, and the little touches he does have purpose, which should be noted by one or two in this squad.
Arsenal
1-3: Monday, 26th DecemberFrustrating, as his close control and intelligence under pressure often helped his team play out, or won a foul to relieve pressure. But his passing, the important ones, that could have been incisive, well, it wasn’t good enough.
Leicester City
0-2: Saturday, 12th NovemberIt's difficult to describe the game Paqueta had. He was creative but wasteful, dangerous but blunt. There were chances, both in terms of shooting and final passes, that just needed a better touch or a bit of luck. Neither were found. He was involved and passes well, but it didn't click into gear.
Crystal Palace
1-2: Sunday, 6th NovemberMaybe a touch charitable, but gets credit for trying to use movement and make things happen in deeper areas, as well as an assist and looking the only capable player of passing a ball well.
Southampton
1-1: Sunday, 16th OctoberEventually, he’s going to have to be more clinical in front of goal, but the Brazilian was left to be sole creator for much of the game and made things happen. Some sloppy passes, and he really should have put the header away, but his influence is growing.
Anderlecht
2-1: Thursday, 13th OctoberQuietly brilliant. A joy to watch.
Fulham
3-1: Sunday, 9th OctoberStill sometimes wants a little more time than he's allowed, but is starting to grow in influence and make connections with his teammates. Lovely touches, isn't afraid to just play a simple flick pass first time when others want time to consider their option.
RSC Anderlecht
1-0: Thursday, 6th October(Replaced Benrahma 69) Another who just has a level of class that was missing last year. Nice assist.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
2-0: Saturday, 1st OctoberVery hard to judge, on first viewing. This is one where I await what our tactical minds and analysts see from a second watch, because he seemed to be a part of some of our best passing moves, but still not quite in the spaces he operates best in.
Everton
0-1: Sunday, 18th SeptemberA harsh five, but it was more due to his lack of real impact on events. He was neat with the ball, a 95% accuracy suggesting one misplaced pass, but there was no creativity, no incision, no influence.
Silkeborg
3-2: Thursday, 15th SeptemberNeat, tidy, smart with the ball. Nothing showy, nothing too impressive, but just assured.
FCSB
3-1: Thursday, 8th September(Replaced Lanzini 46) Good ball for the penalty, controlled, worked hard.
Chelsea
1-2: Saturday, 3rd SeptemberNot so much jogo bonito here, it was actually his defensive work and battling in the middle that gets the plaudits, including some important defending in his own box in the second half. Doesn't look too flash or soft for Moyes and the Premier League, that's for sure. Promising early signs.
Tottenham Hotspur
1-1: Wednesday, 31st August(Replaced Benrahma 67) Whilst one fan told me on the way out that he was “welling up” watching Paqueta play, the Brazilian showed only flashes in his cameo. Some very skilful ones, yet it’ll be the way he planted one Spurs player and then the wasted chance at the end that stick in the mind. Promising, and exciting, early signs.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.
Lucas Paqueta did not play for West Ham during this season.