Mr Motivator David Moyes has told West Ham star Lucas Paqueta there’s a lot he must improve on as fans revel in their new hero.
West Ham fans have been calling Lucas Paqueta their ‘Brazilian magnifico’ ever since he arrived at the club for a record £51m in the summer.
But the truth is until more recently he had done little on the pitch to justify that moniker from the Hammers faithful.
When West Ham signed the silky Brazil midfield star from Lyon the excitement was palpable.
Difficult period of adjustment for £51m man since joining West Ham
It has not been easy for Paqueta to adjust to English football, though.
Football fans have been left scratching their heads at times this season when watching Paqueta stand out for Brazil during international breaks.
On several occasions David Moyes has pleaded for patience for the likes of his £51m man to settle into the pace and tempo of the Premier League.
The penny seems to have dropped recently and Paqueta has been West Ham’s best player of late.
Mr Motivator David Moyes tells West Ham star Lucas Paqueta he has a lot he must improve as fans revel in new hero
He looks stronger and totally committed to the fight. And on the ball – well – at times it is like he has the opposition on strings.
As well as getting stuck in and playing passes no other West Ham player can see, Paqueta has also started scoring goals.
But Mr Motivator Moyes has told West Ham star Paqueta he has a lot he must improve as fans revel in new hero.
“Paqueta is beginning to get used to the Premier League,” Moyes said in his pre-Palace presser.
“We can say that about many, many players that it takes time.
‘Much more improvement is needed from him’
“And I still think he has a good bit to go yet. I think there is much more to come from him. Much more improvement is needed from him.
“But I have to say, it is good he is getting some goals. Because it is just helping us with the situation we are in at present.”
If Paqueta has even more room to improve – as Moyes claims – then the opposition should be running scared.
Moyes is using as much stick as he is carrot with Paqueta in those comments.
Some fans would prefer the Scot didn’t make such comments about his players publicly.
But he knows the player and character better than we do. So clearly Moyes thinks that’s the best course of action to get the most out of our Brazilian magnifico.
Perhaps he saw comments from Paqueta this week stating he is now “100 per cent adapted to the Premier League” and wanted to keep his feet on the ground?
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