3 West Ham stars Leicester must stop in relegation scrap
By Will Kennedy
Lucas Paqueta
Signed for a club-record fee in August, Paqueta made the switch from Lyon to London in a £37million move as both he, and the club, saw him as their talisman in search for European success. Perhaps it was the fee, or the fact he is a Brazilian international, but high hopes were placed on his shoulders and he failed to deliver much in 2022.
Since the World Cup though, Paqueta’s form has improved significantly and his rise has coincided with West Ham’s escape from the relegation zone, as well as their charge to the Europa Conference League final. Not yet delivering week-in, week-out, Paqueta has only produced four goals and three assists in his debut Premier League season, but will be hoping to double those numbers now he has found his rhythm in England.
Like Rice, Paqueta is capable of the spectacular and recently scored a stunner against Liverpool. Whilst Soumare and KDH must break up Rice’s game, they also need to work with the defence in order to squeeze out the Brazilian; if he gets time and space, he can hurt you.
Whether it be Wout Faes, Harry Souttar, or Jonny Evans, their passing must be to a very high standard on Sunday, at no point can they allow themselves to be caught out against the snappy attacker.