Manchester City have been linked with West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta in recent times, and the Brazilian today showed his quality for the Irons.
City dropped points in the Premier League yesterday, drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.
It was a very frustrating result to take, because City had looked so comfortable in the game and were camped in the Palace half for most of the game.
But defensive sloppiness allowed the Eagles to take a point from the game, and City fans are now growing quite concerning, after seeing just one win in the last six league games.
It will be fascinating to see if Pep decides to dip into the transfer market in January – and whether Lucas Paqueta will be someone he seeks to sign…
Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta dazzles for West Ham against Wolves
Today, City fans tuning in to watch West Ham vs Wolves will have seen Paqueta in fine fettle.
The Brazilian was in absolutely sensational form the Hammers, and set up all three goals in an easy 3-0 win for the hosts.
Paqueta twice threaded through Mohammed Kudus, before then playing in Jarrod Bowen in the second-half.
Throughout the game, Paqueta showed fantastic footwork and was able to retain the ball so well. As well as making three assists, the star made six key passes which was the most of any player in the match (Statman Dave).
He was also pretty good defensively, winning 12/19 duels (via Sofascore).
It was not quite ‘Kevin De Bruyne masterclass against Wolves’ territory, but it was definitely a real statement performance from the £150,000-a-week maestro, who is surely a player that would thrive in City’s team. He was given an 8/10 for his display by the Evening Standard, who said of him: “A superb hat-trick of assists, all with passes that were made to look simple but were perfectly executed.”
It was claimed last month that City are planning to make a fresh swoop for Paqueta in January. But one would imagine City will be met with a lot of resistance if they do decide to try and sign him.
Paqueta is a top player
Paqueta was a player City really wanted in the summer, but the club were ultimately unable to get him as West Ham stood firm, and then the reports of his suspicious betting came out.
It is unclear if City will move again for Paqueta, but there is no denying what a top talent he is.
City have been crying out for a bit of technical quality in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. Julian Alvarez has been bright at times this season, but he does not look completely comfortable operating as an advanced midfielder alongside Phil Foden.
It would be tremendous seeing the club snap up Paqueta, but realistically it’ll be a very difficult deal to do, because West Ham won’t be wanting to sell a key player mid-season, especially if they are to push for a European place.
