Sport nationWest Ham’s Paqueta Struggles: Lopetegui Faces Selection Dilemma
West Ham United’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea has raised concerns about the team’s performance, particularly Lucas Paqueta’s struggles. The Brazilian midfielder lost the ball an astonishing 20 times, according to Sofascore, and had a disappointing overall display. This lackluster performance has sparked debate about Paqueta’s role in the team and whether he should be dropped.
Paqueta’s statistics from the Chelsea game are alarming. He lost the ball 20 times, won only 2 of his 6 ground duels, and achieved a mere 76% passing accuracy, completing 32 of his 42 passes. Furthermore, he failed to make a single successful cross from four attempts and did not record a tackle or interception throughout the game.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui faces a selection dilemma, considering Paqueta’s role in the team. The midfielder’s tendency to drop deep and receive the ball has increased his passes into the final third but decreased his key passes. This change in Paqueta’s playing style has raised questions about his effectiveness in Lopetegui’s system.
Comparing Paqueta’s stats from the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons reveals a concerning trend. His goals per 90 minutes have increased slightly from 0.21 to 0.23, but his progressive carries have decreased from 1.36 to 0.98. Additionally, his key passes have halved from 1.46 to 0.73.
Lopetegui must balance the team’s midfield to ensure ball security and creativity. With players like Carlos Soler and Tomas Soucek pushing for starts, Paqueta’s place in the starting lineup is under threat. The Brazilian’s technical ability is undeniable, but his recent performances have not justified his starting spot.
The pressure is mounting on Lopetegui to address West Ham’s midfield issues. The team’s lack of progressors in central midfield has forced Paqueta to drop deeper, affecting his overall impact. Lopetegui must find a solution to unlock Paqueta’s potential or consider alternative options.
Paqueta’s struggles are not isolated; the entire team has underperformed this season. West Ham has lost three of its five games, winning only once and drawing once. The team’s defensive frailties have been exposed, and the midfield has struggled to control games.
Lopetegui’s tactics have been questioned, particularly his decision to start Paqueta in a deeper role. The Brazilian’s strengths lie in his creativity and vision, but this is being wasted in a position that requires more defensive responsibility.
The West Ham faithful is growing restless, and Lopetegui needs to act swiftly to address the team’s issues. Dropping Paqueta could be the catalyst for change, allowing Lopetegui to experiment with different midfield combinations.
In conclusion, Lucas Paqueta’s struggles against Chelsea have raised concerns about his role in West Ham United’s starting lineup. Julen Lopetegui faces a selection dilemma, balancing the team’s midfield to ensure ball security and creativity. With players pushing for starts, Paqueta’s place is under threat.
The coming weeks will be crucial for West Ham, and Lopetegui’s decisions will shape the team’s trajectory. One thing is certain – changes are needed to revive the team’s fortunes.
Lopetegui’s experience and tactical acumen will be tested as he navigates this challenging period. The West Ham manager must find the right balance and make tough decisions to get the team back on track.
The pressure is on, and Lopetegui must respond. The fate of West Ham’s season hangs in the balance, and the manager’s next move will be crucial.
Only time will tell if Lopetegui can address West Ham’s midfield issues and revive Paqueta’s form. However, one thing is clear – the current situation is unsustainable.
West Ham’s loyal fan base demands improvement, and Lopetegui must deliver. The team’s performance against Chelsea was unacceptable, and changes are necessary.
The debate surrounding Paqueta’s role will continue, but Lopetegui’s priority is finding the right combination to secure results.
As the season unfolds, West Ham’s midfield conundrum will remain a topic of discussion. Lopetegui’s ability to solve this puzzle will determine the team’s success.
In the end, Lopetegui’s decision regarding Paqueta’s role will shape West Ham’s trajectory. Will he find a way to unlock the Brazilian’s potential, or will he opt for alternative options? The answer will be crucial in determining the team’s fate.
Sport nation
