MY ACCOUNT
West Ham find themselves in another European semi-final as they prepare to take on AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League tonight.
The Hammers came close to their first major final since 2006 last season but were knocked out of the Europa League by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt.
With Brazilian maestro Lucas Paqueta catching the eye in recent weeks, there is a feeling that the Irons could go on to lift silverware in the Prague showpiece.
Ahead of tonight’s first leg, we turn the spotlight on the in-form midfielder who is quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Late to the party
Paqueta struggled to adapt to life in England after joining from Lyon for a club-record fee last August.
The 25-year-old did not register his first goal for the East Londoners until January but has since followed that up with five more strikes in all competitions, netting in three consecutive games last month.
Many of the Selecao star’s troubles can be put down to a general malaise for the Premier League strugglers, with boss David Moyes unable to find a balance in midfield.
But more recently, Paqueta has developed a fruitful relationship with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, that has allowed him to have more freedom higher up the pitch.
In this trio, the Rio de Janeiro native has thrived, creating six chances and having eight shots on goal in his last five league appearances.
Ready to make history
Having now found his feet, Paqueta has set his sights on making history with West Ham by winning their second major European trophy.
He said: “We will do everything to win this semi-final because it’s our chance to get a trophy and make history for the club.
“The first impression I got of the club was seeing the crowd and how they supported West Ham in the Europa League games.
“They really gave it their all and fought together and the fans supported them until the very end. It definitely gives the players more belief.”
Expected to deliver
Paqueta arrived at West Ham off the back of an impressive season in Ligue 1, scoring nine goals and tallying six assists in 35 appearances.
The Flamengo academy graduate was expected to deliver instantly but his struggles meant that the Hammers suffered and fell into a relegation scrap.
Having finally showcased his attacking talents, the East London outfit have now all but secured their Premier League status for another year.
Paqueta ranks third for Moyes’ men for tackles made this season and no Irons player has attempted more than his 13 through balls.
He also ranks within the top three for shots attempted, passes completed and total touches.
An honest assessment
Moyes gave an honest assessment of Paqueta’s time in England so far and revealed what he was drafted in to provide the Hammers.
The Glaswegian said: “We brought him for eight to 10 goals, for eight to 10 assists. He’s settling in much better, he’s playing better in games.
“We’re playing him more like a No8 if you want to call it that, alongside Declan Rice.
“His effort, his commitment, his application to get about is so good and now we want a bit of Brazilian, which is making the difference when we need it.”
After a period of adjustment, now is the time for Paqueta to deliver on the big stage.
