Tim Sherwood has given his opinion on Lucas Paqueta.placeholder image
Tim Sherwood has given his opinion on Lucas Paqueta. | Getty Images
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager was not impressed by the West Ham midfielder's performance against Leeds United.
West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is reportedly keen to leave the club in January as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side continue to struggle in the Premier League.
The Hammers look set for a relegation dogfight this season having picked up just four points from their opening nine matches. The London outfit sits 19th in the table and aren’t helped by newly promoted Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland all starting the season well.
Lucas Paqueta reportedly wants West Ham exit
Following the summer rumours, the 28-year-old appeared to show his commitment to the club when celebrating a goal against Nottingham Forest. The midfielder mimicked picking up a phone and rejecting the call, before kissing the badge.
He has since confirmed that this will be his last season at the club, despite having another year left on his contract come the end of the campaign. Since The Times article, Paqueta chose to post an image of himself with his sons in West Ham kit at the London Stadium, in what could be a response to the latest rumours.
Speaking on Sky Sports on Wednesday, former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood admitted that the club should maybe look to cash in on Paqueta. Sherwood described him as a ‘luxury player’ and pointed to his recent performance against Leeds United.
He said: “I’d be more alarmed if I was a West Ham fan if it was Jarrod Bowen. Paqueta is a luxury player. Paqueta plays for Paqueta. I think he has wonderful talent and I’m not taking away from that. You need to keep him away from goal and in responsible areas of the field.
“He’s a liability. You saw it with [Joe] Rodon last weekend at Leeds United. They asked him to mark him for some unknown reason from a corner. Keep him towards the opposition goal, get him in the final third. He’s got magic feet but, for me, when you need all hands on deck like West Ham do - if they were to be offered some money to spend in other positions, I would get rid of him.”
Paqueta criticised for performance against Leeds United
Sherwood himself admitted that he would take the latest report from The Times with a ‘pinch of salt’. Paqueta has made 10 appearances for the side in all competitions this season with three goals to his name.
Sherwood added: “If he is actually coming out and saying he wants to leave the football club, then let him go and spend the money in areas to consolidate and stay in the league this season. It sounds stupid that you don’t want him in your team - if you play him in a five-a-side you’d never get the ball off him.
“In the final third, he’s very effective but when you need all hands on deck and people to attack and defend together, don’t have him anywhere near your defensive area because he is a liability and will cost him goals. He plays for himself, makes stupid decisions and gives the ball away and the opposition are right on your back four.”
In other news, West Ham legend gives worrying verdict ahead of Newcastle United clash.
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