Lucas Paquetá stressed the need to avoid looking too far ahead following Friday’s UEFA Europa League draw, with his mind solely focused for now on signing off for the international break with a positive result at home to Aston Villa back in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old continued his fine streak of form since recovering from injury late last month with his second goal in two games against SC Freiburg on Thursday night, notching an early opener in the eventual 5-0 win that overturned a narrow deficit from the first leg.
Such a victory at the round of 16 stage of the Europa League preceded West Ham United being pitted against German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the last eight, ahead of a potential tie with Paquetá’s old club AC Milan should they progess to the last four.
The Hammers’ No10 though refused to be drawn on what might happen in the future, instead concentrating on carrying winning momentum into the team’s next clashes at home and abroad.
“I’ve been delighted to be back on the scoresheet in the last matches, and to be able to help the team,” said Paquetá, who is set to make his 50th Premier League appearance against fourth-placed Villa on Sunday.
“We were all really pleased with the win on Thursday night. We were confident that with the support of the fans we could turn the result around, and we were really happy to be able to make them proud.
“The draw is exciting. We know Bayer Leverkusen are a really strong team, and they are unbeaten this season which is incredible. But, if we want to go all the way, we can’t pick who our opponents are and we have to beat the best.
“We can’t look past that game in the Europa League, but first we have to make sure we carry our momentum into Sunday against Aston Villa. We know it’s going to be a hard game, but we will be confident too.”
Another strong showing against Villa would propel Paquetá onto the international stage in perfect fashion, having been included in the Brazil squad for exciting friendlies against England and Spain later this month.
While he continues to shine in Claret and Blue, the former Lyon man took a moment to reflect on his 18 months in the English capital, where he says he is fully settled and striving for more success.
Paquetá added: “I’m so happy with what we’ve achieved during my time here at the Club. I’m very proud to have been part of the team that made history by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, that brought so much joy to the supporters.
“I continue to find myself becoming more and more comfortable here, with the players, the staff and the fans. It’s a joy, and now we just want to keep pushing forward.
“At the moment, we are in a strong position in the league and in Europe. It’s exciting, and I hope I can keep contributing to the ongoing success at West Ham.”
