In Focus: Paqueta hitting nail on the head for Hammers ahead of City clash

Lucas Paqueta is enjoying an exceptional start to the season.

The Brazilian midfielder has been instrumental at the heart of West Ham's midfield after adapting to the harsh demands of the division.

With a goal and an assist in four Premier League appearances this term, it is no surprise that Manchester City were heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old in the summer.

Ahead of the Hammers' clash with the champions today, we take a closer look at Paqueta's performances in the early stages of 2023-24.

West Ham's warrior

Paqueta is often praised for his technical proficiency and flair.

But he has also been an important player out of possession for David Moyes, ranking first in the Premier League for tackles (18) and possessions won in the defensive third (28) this season.

That combative edge, as well as his ability to read the game, undoubtedly contributed to City's interest.

Intelligence both on and off the ball is a prerequisite for midfielders in Pep Guardiola's team — and Paqueta is certainly not lacking in those departments.

Creator-in-chief

The more eye-catching side of Paqueta's game is his creativity.

He is level with Phil Foden and Enzo Fernandez for the most completed through-balls (four) in the Premier League.

The ex-Lyon ace has also created seven chances — more than any of his colleagues — and completed a team-high 53 passes into the final third.

And no West Ham player has had more touches (260) than Paqueta this season, further indicating his level of influence.

Tough character

Unfortunately, an FA enquiry into suspicious betting activities continues to hang over Paqueta.

The issue may have scuppered any potential move to City but the Brazil international has not let it impact his performances.

After Paqueta scored a penalty in the Irons' 3-1 win over Chelsea last month, Moyes praised his No10's focus.

The Scottish boss said: "He [Paqueta] is a solid and tough character, so no problems.

"He went the whole way, played as well as anybody, showed character, never hid away from the ball ever.

"He's just a very good player."

Mind-bogglingly good

Paqueta has certainly earned the admiration of his team-mates after a relatively slow start to life in East London.

Prior to his big-money move to Arsenal, former Hammers captain Declan Rice was full of praise for the Rio de Janeiro native.

He said: "He [Paqueta] is incredible, honestly, he's absolutely incredible. It's obviously taken him a while to settle into the Premier League and into the training ground, moving his family over.

"I think now you're seeing the real Lucas. Some of the stuff he does, even in training, it's just mind-boggling how good he is."

With a settled role in the team and the extra confidence that comes from a run of strong performances, Paqueta should go from strength to strength at West Ham.

The outcome of the aforementioned FA investigation will undoubtedly be an ongoing concern for him and the club.

But for now, the Hammers have one of the Premier League's most gifted and in-form midfielders on their hands.