It was not a bad way to reach 50 games for West Ham United for Lucas Paquetá.
The Brazil midfielder celebrated the landmark in style at SC Freiburg on Thursday night, scoring the first goal and playing a central role in the Hammers’ 2-1 UEFA Europa League Group A victory.
Paquetá was a thorn in the German team’s side throughout, driving the Irons on to a second win from two European outings this term, and he could not have been happier, as he told West Ham TV at full-time.
“I’m very happy to reach 50 games,” he beamed. “In fact I didn’t know about it, Emerson told me in the dressing room so it’s very important to complete 50 games in this shirt winning the match and scoring a goal.
“We knew that this is a difficult game and a good opponent, but we started the game very well and managed to score straight away.
“Afterwards it was normal to feel pressure because they play at home and have their fans. Then we managed to get our heads in a good place so that in the second half we could get the goal for 2-1 and get the win.
“We had a good set piece there and a great goal from Nayef.”
Paquetá’s goal was one of real quality. The No10 leapt high to nod home Jarrod Bowen’s cross and complete a move that also involved Mohammed Kudus and Vladimír Coufal.
While he may be more well known for his ability with the ball at his feet, Paquetá stated he is move than comfortable making those late runs into the box to create chances with his head too.
“It’s a move I used to make a few times,” he continued.
“I’ve had a few similar goals at Flamengo and at Lyon too, and I know Jarrod Bowen a bit more. When he crossed the ball I was able to position myself well and score.”
The victory extended the Hammers’ unbeaten European run to a 17th game, a new record for an English club in Europe.
Paquetá says that is something that gives him and his teammates great pride.
“It’s something that is the result of the work that everybody has been doing for years, and as long as we can extend the record it’ll be perfect,” he stated.
“But one game at a time. And now to rest and think about the Premier League.”
And what a game to return to in the Premier League.
The Irons face a Newcastle side who defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in midweek and who will also be on a high.
It is also an opportunity for Paquetá to face his close friend and international teammate Bruno Guimarães, so naturally, he is excited for the London Stadium encounter.
“It’s going to be a great game,” he concluded. “The Newcastle team is a very strong team, no doubt about it.
“Playing against my friend Bruno is always special for me. We’ve talked, we’ve joked but on the pitch I’m defending West Ham, he defends Newcastle and we’re going to do our best for each team.”
