Manchester City face West Ham United today in their latest Premier League fixture, with Pep Guardiola’s side looking to continue their strong start to the season.
After securing victories in their opening two matches against Chelsea and Ipswich Town, City have bagged six goals and conceded just one, propelling them to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference.
City’s campaign began with a solid 2-0 win over Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, followed by a commanding 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town at the Etihad Stadium.
As they head to the London Stadium to take on Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham, Guardiola has singled out one player in the Hammers’ ranks who he believes could pose a significant threat.
Pep Guardiola Praises Lucas Paqueta Ahead of Man City vs West Ham
In a recent press conference, Guardiola highlighted Lucas Paqueta as a standout talent within West Ham’s squad. When asked whether he views the Brazilian midfielder as a key player for the Hammers, Guardiola responded:
“Absolutely. He’s an exceptional player, he can play in different roles, but not just him.”
Paqueta Could Be a Danger to City
City were linked with a move for Paqueta during the 2023 summer transfer window (as reported by The Guardian), though the deal ultimately did not materialise.
The Brazilian joined West Ham in the summer of 2022 for a club-record fee of £51 million from Lyon (via Sky Sports). Since then, Paqueta has made 87 appearances for the East London club across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing an equal number of assists.
Paqueta’s impact last season was particularly noteworthy. In 31 league appearances, he delivered more passes into the penalty area (50) than any other West Ham player and also led the team in goal-creating actions (16).
These statistics underline why Guardiola holds the 27-year-old in such high regard and why he could be a pivotal figure in today’s match.
As City prepare to face a resurgent West Ham side, Paqueta’s influence in midfield could be crucial in determining the outcome of this encounter.