After Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a transfer to Manchester City, it is interesting to revisit the praise from Kaka towards him back in 2018.
As relayed by Fot Mob, the Brazilian legend gave his two cents on the 25-year-old during his time at AC Milan, after it was reported on Thursday that City have made a whopping £70 million offer to sign him, which looked likely to be rejected.
It seems like Kaka has always been a huge admirer of West Ham United attacker and Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta.
What Kaka once said about Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta
Branded as ‘mind-boggling’ by Declan Rice (via Evening Standard), the former Lyon midfielder has had a mixed time of things in the Premier League.
While Paqueta looked out of sorts playing in a deeper role than usual during the first couple of months at West Ham, he returned to his brilliant best during the business end of last season.
Now that Manchester City seem to be interested in signing Lucas Paqueta, Kaka revealed in 2018 that he was a fan of his game.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
“He’s a player who has a bright future ahead of him. He’s already been called up to the Brazilian national team, but it’s better for him that we don’t make comparisons.
Clearly, Kaka did not intend to pressure Manchester City target Lucas Paqueta with any lofty comparisons, saying, “I’ve seen so many of them in recent days, with me, with [Alexandre] Pato, with Ronaldinho, Cafu, Rivaldo… with all the Brazilians who have been part of Milan’s history. We need to avoid these comparisons so he can come here and play calmly and peacefully. I’m confident.”
Lucas Paqueta should be considered as a wing option at the Etihad Stadium
If one of the greatest midfielders of all time in Kaka tipped Lucas Paqueta to reach the top, Manchester City should pat themselves on the back for showing their interest in his signature.
While the gifted technician would slot in nicely as one of the advanced midfielders in Pep Guardiola’s current setup, it is likely that he would take Phil Foden’s place on the left-hand side.
With Foden being a much more well-rounded player from central positions, capable of controlling games akin to the departed Gundogan, Paqueta would be much more useful to City as a makeshift right-winger.
Having played out wide in the past, being a threat in 1v1 situations and capable of retaining the ball, Lucas Paqueta may be the perfect winger in Manchester City’s current system.