Even his biggest critics at West Ham United could not really call into question the obscene natural talent at Lucas Paqueta’s disposal.
The problem, though, was that talent did not always – or even often – translate to on-field success.
Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham United career may be remembered best for a two-year investigation into alledged spot-fixing offences [from which he was eventually cleared], a tendency to lose his head at key moments, countless anonymous displays, yet also the odd Jogo Bonito-themed masterclass.
Cry joins a very exclusive club! But who is YOUR pick to be the World Cup’s top scorer?
👟 ⚽ 🇳🇱
It is fitting, really, that some of Paqueta’s final acts in East London included a thumping finish from long-range in a heroic victory over Newcastle, and that implosion against Liverpool.
At his worst, Paqueta came across ‘completely irresponsible’. Such as when arguing his way into a red card in a 2-0 home defeat by the Merseyside giants.
At his best, though, Paqueta is a ‘world-class’ talent capable of elite-level, game-changing class.
The good and bad of former West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta
The reaction to his impressive performance during Brazil’s 3-0 World Cup victory over Haiti summed it up; leaving viewers impressed but, equally, wondering why Paqueta does not perform at this level more frequently.
“My God is Paqueta absurdly talented when he feels [interested],” one fan wrote on X. “Industrious as hell, could see it for the second goal. Can shield the ball in deep areas and connect plays up higher. Top-class passing in-behind for the third goal.
“I also generally hated how streaky he’d look at West Ham.”
Following an underwhelming performance in the matchday one draw with Morocco, Paqueta turned on the style in Philadelphia. It was he who won the ball back with a snappy challenge in the build-up to Mateus Cunha’s thumping second. Furthermore, it was Paqueta’s lofted pass which created Vinicius Jr’s second of the tournament on the stroke of half-time.
As for difference between a focused, flowing Paqueta and the one West Ham fans saw for much of his final year and a half at the London Stadium… well, you’d only find a discrepancy quite this wild in Nicolas Cage’s filmography.
For every Mandy, you’ve got to trudge through a whole lot of Wicker Men.
“Can’t think of many players who have as big a gap between their floor and ceiling,” another says.
“Masterclass Paqueta? I must be watching another game, he only nailed that pass for the goal and that’s it.”
“I never imagined I’d applaud a Vinicius goal, Douglas [Santos, left-back] and Paqueta; what a great match.”
“Someone get Paqueta out of Brazil, this guy can still hoop”
How will you remember Lucas Paqueta? 🤔
Paqueta’s return to form delights Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr championed Lucas Paqueta’s return to Flamengo during the January transfer window, West Ham eventually accepting a £35.8 million bid from the club where both Paqueta and Vini started their careers.
While the former Lyon and AC Milan ace clearly still has his critics – it will take more than assist against Haiti to silence those – a stand-out display on the world stage left no one happier than Vini.
“I’ve known Paqueta since he was a child, I’ve always followed him closely,” the Real Madrid superstar said after Brazil moved ahead of Scotland and level on points with Morocco.
“To be able to play in the World Cup with one of my best friends, I think there’s nothing better. In the last World Cup I gave him an assist and today he managed to return the favour!
“I hope we can continue like this, growing in the competition, which is the most important thing.”
For those who watched him trudge through his final few months at West Ham – albeit with the occasional wondergoal thrown in – the sight of Brazil entering a World Cup campaign with Lucas Paqueta as their number ten might signal the sorry death of Jogo Bonito.
Yet, it appears Carlo Ancelotti remains content enough to suffer the rough in the hope of some sweet, sweet smooth.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
