Second time might just be the charm for West Ham United’s Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme. That is, if his eye-catching display in the Premier League Summer Series victory over Everton is anything to go by.
As Graham Potter made a whole host of half-time changes in Chicago – determined to take a close look at as many players as possible – Luis Guilherme entered the fray while taking the place of new £19 million signing El Hadji Malick Diouf.
That meant a left-wing back role for a youngster who made his name back home in Brazil as a lively right-winger at Palmeiras. A youngster who started only one league match in 2024/25, and is hoping for a much bigger role in the near future.
Left wing-back was a new position, certainly. But one the £25 million acquisition appears determined to conquer as he aims to nail down a spot – any spot – in the West Ham United first-team.
Luis Guilherme was a standout performer for West Ham as Lucas Paqueta and Niclas Fullkrug fired the Londoners to a 2-1 comeback victory over David Moyes’ Toffees.
Speaking of Paqueta, few will have been more delighted than Guilherme to learn that his compatriot was free to continue his footballing career free of any off-field distractions.
Luis Guilherme during West Ham United FC v Everton FC: Premier League Summer Series
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Luis Guilherme pays tribute to Lucas Paqueta at West Ham United
An emotional Lucas Paqueta was cleared of spot-fixing offences just one day after he cancelled out Idrissa Gana Gueye’s first-half opener at Soldier Field.
A massive boost for West Ham as a whole, obviously. But also for Luis Guilherme; the 19-year-old Samba starlet for whom Paqueta has taken on the role of something of an older brother in the Hammers camp.
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“Paqueta is an incredible guy,” the teenager tells the official West Ham website. “Since day one, he’s been helping me constantly.
“He’s getting better and better. He’s a fantastic player, no words needed. I just have to thank him too, for helping me every day.
“I’m feeling comfortable, so I can play my game. Once again, I’m very happy that he’s helping me on and off the field.”
Presuming that Graham Potter plans to stick with the wing-back system he deployed against both Everton and Manchester United over in the USA, there are a number of West Ham players who stand to benefit.
Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd could stay at the London Stadium now, as speculation surrounding their futures dissipates. Mavropanos excelled at the centre of a back three on Wednesday, using his pace and physicality to counter Everton’s new £27 million centre-forward Thierno Barry.
Both Aguerd and Kilman looked impressive on the left of a defensive triumvirate, meanwhile. Stepping into midfield and breaking the lines.
Brazilian starlet Guilherme happy with new role in Graham Potter’s team
Luis Guilherme was another who caught the eye. Not only a diligent defender, determined to do the unfashionable side of the job as a wing-back, but also aggressive and energetic enough to dash from corner flag to corner flag while marshalling the flank all on his own.
“I’m very happy to be playing. I think we did very well in the match [against Everton],” said Guilherme, who pounced on a late Everton error and very nearly set up a clinching goal for fellow youngster Lewis Orford.
“I’m very happy to be helping the team in some way. We’re getting better and better. Once again, I’m very happy with the victory.
“I hope I can play some great games in pre-season and throughout the season ahead. I’m very happy with the opportunity the coach is giving me. I’m getting better and better, feeling better and better on the field.
“Once again, I hope I can help the team in some way. I’m very happy for the opportunity.
“For me, [wing-back] is a position I like. Wherever the coach wants me to play, I’ll be available. Playing the position I did, I played a bit more in the five-man line there.
“So, for me, there’s no such thing as the position I want to fill. I want to be helping the team in some way and I’m very happy about the game.”