West Ham United have numerous players who are currently away on international duty with their respective nations.
The current international break came at the worst time possible for West Ham and Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers had just beaten Ipswich Town 4-1, and the players put in their best performance of the season.
Now we have to wait another eight days before we play again – incredibly frustrating right!
Many of our players are away with their countries right now, and some have experienced more success than others.
One key West Ham star has experienced an awful time it seems, with the media in his homeland going to town with their criticism of him.
West Ham star destroyed after performance on international duty
Lucas Paqueta has endured a really difficult past year or so.
The Brazilian midfielder has been hit with four separate charges concerning potential betting breaches, and he faces a lifetime ban if found guilty.
That would obviously be disastrous for him and the club.
The former Lyon man has been really poor for the Hammers this season, and it seems as though he has experienced similar struggles for Brazil.
Well-renowned Brazilian football X account Brasileirao Da Depressao absolutely ripped into Paqueta after his performance for Brazil against Chile on Thursday night.
Paqueta was hooked at half-time, and replaced by Gerson, and his performance did not go down well in his homeland.
The post translates to:
“How long will the terrible Lucas Paquetá be a starter for this team?“
If we’re being honest, Paqueta has been appalling for the Hammers this season.
He is clearly not focused, what with the off-field matters that he’s having to contend with.
And West Ham desperately need him to return to his best as soon as possible.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta desperately out of form
It’s obviously not just his club form that has been problematic this season.
Paqueta needs to raise his levels, and quickly.
The Brazilian has been one of our most disappointing players so far this season – he has just been miles off the pace.
Considering how much talent the 27-year-old has, he quite simply hasn’t been anywhere near good enough.
Lucas Paqueta needs to focus more than he has been, and start producing the goods for West Ham inside the final third.
More goals and assists will be the order of the day for Paqueta when Premier League action resumes next week.
I fully understand that it can’t be easy for Paqueta, with the betting charges levelled against him, but he’s a professional footballer at the end of the day.
The Hammers need more from the former Lyon man, and he needs to stand up and be counted now.
