Emerson has nailed down Hammers spot with Paqueta partnership

Emerson Palmieri has become one of West Ham's top performers this season.

The full-back scored a stunning goal in the recent victory over Brentford to put the cap on a brilliant individual performance.

His understanding with former Lyon team-mate Lucas Paqueta gives the Hammers a strong presence down the left flank.

Ahead of West Ham's Europa League tie against Freiburg tonight, we put Emerson under the spotlight.

Beautiful goal

In West Ham's last home match against Brentford, Emerson set up the first goal of Jarrod Bowen's hat-trick before converting himself from long-range.

The 29-year-old's sweet strike flew into the top corner to complete the scoring in a 4-2 victory.

Though the Brazil-born, Italian international rarely scores, he revealed he was not lacking in confidence when he struck his effort.

Emerson said: "It wasn't luck, it was a beautiful goal. When the ball came to me it was too good a chance not to shoot.

"When I shot, I saw the ball heading forwards goal and said, 'That's a goal, it's impossible for the keeper to save it' and it was a very nice goal."

After the game, Hammers' manager David Moyes heaped praise on Emerson.

He said: "Since the Conference League final, he's arguably been one of our best players, if not our best player.

"People will think about other players, but Emerson's performances have been really good.

"Maybe it dropped off a little bit over the last month with Paqueta being injured. But people will remember Emerson's goal. Not bad for a full-back."

Paqueta partnership

Moyes went on to discuss Emerson's on-field relationship with Paqueta, with the pairing proving to be a major part of West Ham's Europa League run.

He said: "We've been very impressed for most of the season.

"Lucas was a big miss for us, but getting him back has been great and I think it's benefited Emerson's performances as well. Both of them have done really well."

Paqueta is a special player, adept at bringing out the best from those around him going forward.

But an underappreciated aspect of his game is his willingness to track back.

These qualities and the Brazilian's tendency to cut inside and create space on the flanks make him the perfect foil for any attacking full-back to work with.

Emerson has spoken about what Paqueta's presence brings to both him and the team.

He said: "We know each other very well and when we have him on the pitch it's different.

"Not just for me, but for everyone, as we have more confidence to play. One player like Lucas makes a difference."

Tackle king

While Emerson has caught the eye with his attacking performances, his stats show just how he is contributing to West Ham defensively.

He ranks third among Premier League players for tackles won this season, ahead of every other full-back in the top flight.

Signed from Chelsea in 2022 for £15million, Emerson has moved ahead of long-serving left-back Aaron Cresswell in the pecking order.

And Paqueta is a big fan of the astute purchase.

He said in December: "Emerson is a very good player, a top player.

"I'm very happy to play with him because he understands me and he knows me and when I have the ball, I understand him.

"It's so easy to play with him."