Here’s what Julen Lopetegui really thinks of Lucas Paqueta and his attitude

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West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta hasn’t quite been at his best just yet under Julen Lopetegui.

Lucas Paqueta still faces an extremely uncertain future with West Ham, in spite of Julen Lopetegui replacing David Moyes earlier this summer.

It has been a rollercoaster year or so for the Brazilian. It emerged last summer that he was being investigated for his role in potential betting breaches.

Since then, things have gotten even worse for him, after he was charged for his alleged role in the betting scam.

Should Paqueta get found guilty of the charges being levelled against him, he reportedly could receive a lifetime ban.

So he obviously has a lot of things going on in his head right now that could well affect the way in which he’s able to focus.

So what does Lopetegui really think about the mercurial play-maker?

What Julen Lopetegui really thinks of Lucas Paqueta

The 27-year-old has started every single Premier League game so far this season under Lopetegui.

However, he’s been nowhere his best, and has really frustrated the fans at times with his overtly carefree nature when in possession and sloppiness with his passing.

But what does the gaffer really think of Lucas? Is he a fan of the way that he works, or could the South American be someone who’s sacrificed in the next transfer window?

According to a report from The Athletic, Lopetegui has been pleased with the Brazilian’s attitude since working with him.

This comes after Tim Steidten had to fly out to Brazil in the summer to help out Paqueta, due to the 27-year-old feeling incredibly low on confidence due to everything that was going on.

There were concerns that the betting charges Paqueta was facing would have a detrimental effect on the Brazilian.

Lopetegui is obviously a fan of the former Lyon man but I have to say, he needs to raise his levels big time in my opinion.

West Ham need more from Lucas Paqueta

Firstly, I will say one hugely important thing – without Paqueta, the Hammers wouldn’t have won the Europa Conference League in 2023.

The Brazilian was the only player in that team who was capable of playing that through ball to Jarrod Bowen, and brave enough to try it for that matter.

However, he is SO talented that I think it’s only fair to demand even more from him.

His first three Premier League appearances this season have been underwhelming in my opinion, and that’s putting it politely.

He holds onto the ball for far too long, and his passing needs to be crisper and quicker.

Lucas Paqueta should be ideally suited to the way that Julen Lopetegui sets up his team, and he has the talent to spearhead West Ham’s charge for a top seven finish.

I just want to see a little bit more focus from him over the next few weeks. Paqueta can be a great player for the Hammers, but he just needs to refine the way that he plays.

However, it must be said that the fact Lopetegui is pleased with his attitude bodes very well indeed for him.