In Brazil, they have a Portuguese phrase ‘futebol-arte’, which translates literally into ‘Football Art’ and in Lucas Paquetá, West Ham United have an artist in their team who can paint the prettiest of pictures on the pitch.
On Sunday, the No10 produced a masterpiece, setting up all three goals for his side as the Hammers defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 at London Stadium.
Paquetá vision saw him pick out Mohammed Kudus twice in the space of ten first-half minutes to put the Irons in control, before a perfectly weighted one-two sent Jarrod Bowen clear to secure all three points in the second half.
Conducting his first interview in English alongside teammate, close friend and Brazil-born Italy international Emerson, the playmaker’s joy at providing such entertainment was etched all over his face.
“I’m so happy to get three assists for the first time, but more important is three points,” he told West Ham TV. “It’s a big win but now we need to recover because we have the next game.”
Moments earlier, in another interview, Kudus had revealed that when Paquetá is in possession, he immediately makes a run because he knows the South American has the ability to pick him out, as he did so successfully on Sunday.
“Now the guys understand a little bit more and I have this pass,” he explained. “I like to look before I even have the ball and Jarrod and Mo make the runs and I can make the pass.”
Mention of the friendship between the two players, who spent the 2021/22 season together at Olympique Lyonnais before both switching to West Ham, brings a smile to both of their faces.
And a switch of Paquetá to a position on the left of midfield this season has clearly brought out the best in both him and Emerson.
“Emerson is a very good player, a top player, and I’m very happy to play with him because he understands me and he knows me and when I have the ball I understand him. It’s so easy to play with him and I’m so happy!” he smiled.
“I like to play, I like to help the team and I’m so happy. I don’t need to score to make me happy. Three points and the win are my best focus. It’s just this!”
While Paquetá, Kudus and Bowen took the headlines on Sunday, Emerson has put together a fine season himself and was again impressive as the Irons secured an important Premier League win and a clean sheet to boot.
Now, focus turns to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at Anfield on Wednesday, followed by a pre-Christmas cracker at home to Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.
“We know this week is very important for us against two big teams, but in football is eleven against eleven,” the left-back observed.
“Of course, we respect them but we need to try to win. We showed on Sunday we have a good team and we can go on the pitch and try to win every game.”
