David Moyes has raved about West Ham and Newcastle’s Brazilian best friends Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes as they prepare to go head-to-head.
West Ham welcome Newcastle United to the London Stadium for yet another huge Premier League clash on Wednesday night.
The Hammers and Magpies need the points for very different reasons indeed.
West Ham are looking to build on Sunday’s vital win over Southampton as they bid to avoid relegation.
Third-placed Newcastle meanwhile need to keep up the pace as they aim to secure Champions League football.
It promises to be a pulsating encounter and West Ham would arguably take another draw after the reverse fixture ended 1-1 at St James’ Park back in February.
Lucas Paqueta got West Ham’s goal that day and celebrated by lightheartedly goading his best friend and Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes – who was unavailable due to suspension.
The midfielders regard one another as best friends with Paqueta the godfather to Guimaraes’ son.
And they will come face to face on Wednesday night though in a battle of Brazil in the middle of the park.
Guimaraes has been sensational for Newcastle under Eddie Howe. It has been more of a slow burn for Paqueta at West Ham thus far with fans only just starting to really see what he can bring following his £51m record arrival last summer.
Now David Moyes has raved about West Ham and Newcastle’s Brazilian best friends Paqueta and Guimaraes.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash, the Scot praised Paqueta but highlighted the impact of his big pal too.
David Moyes raves about West Ham and Newcastle’s Brazilian best friends Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes
“He’s (Paqueta) a really good player, he’s a really good player,” Moyes said in his pre-match presser.
“But actually, just let me say, I also think Newcastle have got a really good player in Guimaraes as well. Two Brazilian players, so it’s interesting.
“But Lucas I have to say has improved as he’s gone along. And it’s not been his ability, we’ve just been trying to get him used to it (here in England), it takes a little bit of time for some people.
“We’re still looking for more creativity, things which really lead to goals or chances (from Paqueta) so hopefully we can add that to his already good performances.”
You can see the footage from Moyes’ pre-Newcastle presser below.
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