Things are looking rather bleak for West Ham United at the moment.
Yes, Nuno Espírito Santo did oversee a spirited comeback away to Everton in his first Premier League game, but since then, the Hammers have lost two and sit in the relegation zone, three points and a better goal difference from safety.
Worse yet, while the defeat to Arsenal was to be expected, the East Londoners needed to get something from the game against Brentford. Instead, they put in one of their worst performances in a long, long time.
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So, to arrest this downturn in form, Nuno has to try something dramatic, such as dropping Lucas Paqueta for an exciting young talent.
Why Lucas Paqueta has to be dropped
Now, the first thing to say is that there is no denying that Paqueta is an incredibly talented footballer and has the ability to be a real game-changer for West Ham.
However, it is equally true that the former Lyon star has been underwhelming for quite some time and was utterly ineffective last time out.
For example, in 94 minutes of inaction against Brentford, he produced a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.12, took a single shot, which was off target, took 61 touches, but lost the ball 23 times, misplaced 100% of his crosses and was accurate in just 26 of 41 passes.
Paqueta's game vs Brentford
Minutes
Expected Goals
Goals
Expected Assists
Shots on Target
Shots Off Target
Touches
Lost Possession
Dribbles (Completed)
Key Passes
Crosses (Accurate)
Duels (Won)
All Stats via Sofascore
Such a terrible showing cannot even be blamed on the fact that he was playing as a false nine, either, as he's been poor for most of the season thus far.
For example, while he has scored three goals this season, the last one was a penalty on deadline day, and since then, he has yet to score another or even provide an assist.
Moreover, while players can go through barren spells and still provide some attacking impetus for their sides, that has not been the case with the Brazilian, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a fan who has been impressed with his displays.
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So with all that said, while there is every chance Paqueta gets back to his mercurial best later in the season, it's time he was taken out of the team entirely.
There are other options to play up top, like Callum Wilson, and if Nuno really wants to shake things up, he could start a particularly promising prospect in the ten for the game against Leeds United.
The West Ham gem Nuno could start over Paqueta
While it might be something of a gamble, this is the time for Nuno to take risks to try and improve West Ham's fortunes in the next game, and therefore, he should look to start the incredibly exciting Luis Guilherme in place of Paqueta in attacking midfield.
Now, it might be the case that the young Brazilian is viewed as more of a winger at the moment, but the "complete" and "electric" attacker, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has played all over the pitch, including as a ten.
For example, from his time in Brazil up until today, the 19-year-old prospect, who, according to Mattinson, has "the world at his feet," has made appearances at centre-forward, left-wing, right-wing, right midfield and attacking midfield.
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Luis Guilherme for West Ham.
Therefore, it shouldn't be too much of a challenge for him to adapt.
More importantly, his skill set could help add some real dynamism to the middle of the park, and according to U23 scout Antonio Mango, the ten position would "suit his profile brilliantly."
For example, when scouting him, Mattinson highlighted the fact that the teenager is a player who "thrives on transitions" and can "turn past players with ease" thanks to his "elite ball manipulation."
On top of that, when he does take shots, Mattinson states that they are often of "high calibre."
Finally, away from direct goal involvements, his impressive agility could make him an absolute nightmare for opposition defenders and defensive midfielders.
Ultimately, starting Guilherme in the ten would be a gamble, but with how poorly Paqueta is playing at the moment, it's one Nuno should take.