West Ham United hosted Ipswich Town at the London Stadium on Saturday in a Premier League encounter, and despite the 4-1 win, one player came in for heavy criticism.
Former Hammers defender Tony Gale, who was on co-commentary duty, didn’t hold back in his assessment of a disappointing display from Lucas Paqueta, labelling his performance well below par.
The game itself started at a frantic pace, with West Ham getting off to a dream start. Michail Antonio fired the Hammers into the lead inside the first minute.
However, any hopes of an easy afternoon were quickly dashed as Ipswich hit back almost immediately, with Liam Delap equalising for the visitors just five minutes later.
West Ham regained control just before the break when Mohammed Kudus netted a crucial goal, putting the Hammers 2-1 up going into the interval.
Jarrod Bowen then extended the lead early in the second half with a fine strike, and Lucas Paqueta himself added a fourth to seal the win.
Despite the scoreline, Gale’s focus was on the performance levels of individual players, with the West Ham legend particularly scathing in his assessment of Paqueta.
The Brazilian midfielder, who has been under intense scrutiny following allegations of involvement in a betting scandal, was singled out for his poor display.
“Lazy defending again,” Gale remarked after Ipswich’s Hutchinson easily bypassed Paqueta in the 22nd minute.
“He defended awfully, he’s got to do better there,” Gale continued, unimpressed with the lack of commitment shown by the former Lyon man.
Paqueta’s performance drew criticism not just for his defensive frailties, but for his general lack of intensity and focus.
It’s clear that the weight of the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in a betting scam may be affecting his form on the pitch, and Gale was quick to point out that Paqueta needs to significantly raise his game if he is to remain in the side.
While Paqueta did score West Ham’s fourth goal, his overall contribution was far from what is expected of a player with his pedigree.
The Brazilian’s displays this season have been inconsistent at best, with Saturday’s showing emblematic of a broader malaise in his game.
For many West Ham supporters, Paqueta’s recent performances have been frustrating, especially given the heights he is capable of reaching.
Gale wasn’t alone in his assessment, with many fans echoing the sentiment that Paqueta’s heart doesn’t seem fully in it at the moment. There are concerns that the ongoing off-field issues are affecting his ability to perform at the highest level.
It’s a situation that West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui must now address. While Paqueta is undoubtedly a hugely talented player, there’s a growing belief that he might need some time out of the team to reset.
“He’s been playing like that for quite some time now,” Gale noted, suggesting that this dip in form is not a one-off.
Dropping Paqueta would be a bold move, but it’s one that might ultimately benefit both the player and the team.
Gale’s view is clear: Paqueta must be taken out of the firing line, at least temporarily.
“Maybe some time out of the team would actually be good for Paqueta,” he said.
“It would give him time to assess his current situation properly, enable him to get his mind right.”
There are options available to Lopetegui. Carlos Soler, who has been on the fringes of the team, could be given a chance to stake his claim in Paqueta’s absence.
Soler, a strong and technically proficient midfielder, might offer the kind of solidity and reliability that West Ham currently need in the middle of the park.
Paqueta’s tendency to lose possession and his lack of strength in challenges have left the Hammers vulnerable at times, and a more disciplined player like Soler could help shore things up.
It’s a delicate situation for Lopetegui to manage. Kevin Nolan recently suggested that Paqueta could be moved back out to the left wing to give him more freedom, but Gale believes more drastic action is required.
Removing the Brazilian from the starting XI might just be the shock he needs to refocus and return to his best form.
For now, West Ham will be relieved to have secured the three points against Ipswich, but the question of Paqueta’s place in the side will continue to linger. Lopetegui faces a difficult decision, and how he handles the situation could prove pivotal as the season progresses.