It is one thing watching a game – or games – and having a ‘sense’ that one player is failing to hit the heights of last season. It is another to confront the statistics which back up that hunch. West Ham have been struggling this season and strong action is needed by Julen Lopetegui if the team is to progress, and he to keep his job, after the break when West Ham visit Newcastle and then play Arsenal.
The statistics packaged up by footballfancast.com make grim reading. Lucas Paqueta is a shadow of his former self in just about every metric.
The reports author suggests he is ‘just’ not interested and goes further:“Paqueta needs to be dropped. And not just for one game – West Ham meet Newcastle United at St. James’ Park after the international break – but for an indefinite period, showing to him that talent alone cannot allow him to keep his place in the starting line-up.”
When you see the statistics, they make a clear case for leaving out the Brazilian.
Assists-down on last year. Touches – down on last year. Dribbles per game – less than half of last year. Tackles and interceptions – down on last year. Ball recoveries per game down and tackles per game less than half of last year.
Clearly our midfield is struggling whilst Paquetá is cruising. The evidence is there for Lopetegui to see but will he be brave enough to leave Paquetá out until his head is clear?
Is Mohammed Kudus ready for a central number 10 role flanked by Bowen and Summerville? There’s only one way to find out,. And it cannot produce worse than has been served up so far.
