LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Frank McAvennie has urged Lucas Paqueta to stay at West Ham United and give incoming boss Julen Lopetegui “a try” next season.
Paqueta was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City last summer before betting allegations against the Brazilian saw Pep Guardiola’s side cool their interest – though a move could still be on the cards this year.
And McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – hopes both Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus will stay at the club for at least another year.
“[The hole he would leave would be] massive. Massive,” McAvennie said. “Paqueta’s going – he’s going to go. I don’t know who’s going to take over.
“Listen, if Paqueta wants to go, fine – I like him, he’s a wonderful talent – and Kudus as well. I would like to see them stay another year and give the new manager a try. Just give him a try – it might be right up their street.”
How big a blow would losing Lucas Paqueta be for West Ham United?
Paqueta’s creative and technical talents would certainly be a big miss for West Ham if the Brazilian were to move on. Manchester City’s interest in the attacking midfielder is not for nothing, after all.
The 27-year-old’s ability to pick teammates out in dangerous positions is widely appreciated – he has averaged 1.06 through-balls and 5.07 passes into the final third per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, racking up six assists as a result of his penetrative passing [FBref].
However, Paqueta stands out arguably most as a result of what he does out of possession. Per 90 in the Premier League this term, he has recorded a whopping 6.81 ball recoveries and 1.7 tackles won – outstanding defensive numbers for an attacking midfielder.
If the Irons can hold onto him, they will be much better for it.
