Tomas Soucek has nothing but respect for colleague Lucas Paqueta before West Ham United’s return to the Europa League tomorrow.
When questioned about Paqueta, the Czech Republic international wasn’t hesitant to compliment him.
“Lucas is a great player,” remarked Soucek. He can demonstrate his abilities, but what makes him genuinely unique is that no one is aware of his full potential.
“He has a very unique gift, and he can display it. He has the skills we need to accomplish our goals.
Lofty praise, yes, but praise that Paqueta deserves in light of his thus far this season’s performances.
Although he got better as the season went on the previous year, Paqueta seems to have moved up a level now.
He is one of a select group of West Ham players who have stepped up their play after Declan Rice left the team.
Paqueta can truly make a difference for West Ham, as Soucek says.
Soucek argues that Paqueta can yet shock West Ham supporters.
David Moyes has singled out Mohammed Kudus as a player who can elevate West Ham in addition to Lucas Paqueta.
And Kudus may have a great opportunity to start for West Ham in tomorrow night’s game.
The 23-year-old’s supporters will be hoping that he can take a lot of confidence from a strong performance and apply it to their weekend trip to Liverpool.
The schedule does get challenging for West Ham now, as it does for many other teams, but Moyes will be quiet confident that his team is well-prepared.
And he could share Soucek’s opinion that Paqueta’s ability hasn’t yet been fully appreciated by West Ham fans.
Whatever the case, East London has a lot to be happy about right now.
