Lucas Paqueta has taken to social media after being hooked at half-time in West Ham’s win over Manchester United.
There is no escaping the fact Lucas Paqueta has been in woeful form for West Ham throughout 2024.
He’s not been alone in that of course as the Hammers recorded just eight wins from 35 games in all competitions this year until the much-needed 2-1 Premier League victory over Man United.
But much better is expected from a player of his immense talent. Especially as he is West Ham’s highest earning star ever on £150k per week.
The Brazilian has been not so magnifico more often than not for West Ham.
The 27-year-old has the weight of the world on his shoulders with the ongoing case against him which will decide the fate of his career in the new year.
It’s hanging above his head like the sword of Damocles. And he’s been playing like it too.
Of course time will tell whether that has all been self-inflicted or not.
Paqueta hooked at half-time of win over Man United
But instead of being West Ham’s biggest problem solver, the club’s £51m record signing has – in many ways – become the biggest problem.
When Paqueta was substituted in the draw at Brentford not too long ago he was spotted shaking his head at the manager.
It all fed into a narrative coming out of the football media that there is unrest in the Hammers dressing room.
It’s been claimed some of West Ham’s players are unconvinced about Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham somehow beat Manchester United at the London Stadium on Sunday to ease the pressure on the Spaniard.
A win over the Red Devils can surely only help in that regard. Especially off the back of a much-improved second half display.
It was a second half performance without Paqueta of course.
Paqueta post may shock all at West Ham
West Ham were lucky not to be at least 3-0 down at half-time.
Paqueta, the equally ineffective Carlos Soler and Konstantinos Mavropanos were all subbed off at the break.
West Ham were like a different team second half and deserved the victory on that alone.
And Paqueta’s social media post after being hooked at half-time of the Premier League win over Man United may shock all at West Ham.
After the game Lopetegui was brutally honest about why he subbed Paqueta and his two teammates.
Being hauled off in such a big game against a massive opponent is bound to hurt Paqueta’s pride.
But his social media post may surprise West Ham for all the right reasons.
First Paqueta posted a picture of himself in action during the game on Instagram, saying: “Three points!!!” alongside Hammers, a heart and praying hands emojis.
‘I will give you rest’ Paqueta’s refreshing social outpouring
Then he took to his Instagram Stories, which you can see in the post below.
It shows a picture of the Hammers midfielder with his hands out-stretched on the London Stadium pitch.
The deeply religious star captioned it ‘Exodus 33:14’ alongside praying hands.
For those West Ham fans who aren’t religious, it’s a significant passage from the Bible which shows where Paqueta’s head is at.
Despite being hooked off, he is quite literally keeping the faith.
And he feels West Ham’s win over Man United was God’s way of rewarding him during an incredibly difficult time.
That particular passage states: “The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
It’s a powerful message. And this is a powerful message from Paqueta that he is a team player.
Many might have assumed he would be in a sulk or feeling sorry for himself.
Refreshingly, it’s far from it. He is grateful for the win and, through his own beliefs, sees it as proof God is helping him.
No cryptic, self-indulgence just gratitude and it’s great to see.
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