West Ham United’s Brazilian star has endured a torrid two years at the hands of the [English Football Association](https://www.claretandhugh.info/paqueta-d-day-fa-inquiry-new-development/), as have the club and its supporters. Successive managers have tried to coax the best out of the Brazilian who has stuck to his task and trained without fail and always been available. His form, however, pretty much deserted him during the low points when it looked as if he was going to be on the receiving end of a lifetime ban across the world.
The relief he mist be feeling inside must be enormous and the dignity he has show throughout is to be commended. West Ham – providing they decide to keep hold of their most creative attacking player, can now hopefully reap the rewards on the pitch from the very public support they showed their number 10.
The return of a vestige of form was evident in the 5-1 defeat against Chelsea. Paquetá had flashes of brilliance with a 25 yard unstoppable swerving goal – but the diving and loss of possession – which has always been a part of his game – was also maddeningly evident.
His recovery of some vestige of form has been noticed in his homeland as he’s been rewarded with a call up back to his national side for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia: Recalled for the first time since November 2024.
It’ll be a flight crowded with talent as West Ham’s midfielder will be accompanied by a host of [EPL Brazilians](https://sports.ndtv.com/football/brazil-without-neymar-and-vinicius-as-lucas-paqueta-back-for-world-cup-qualifiers-9158930) also selected: No less than eight of the Brazil squad are currently performing in the Premier League.
Paquetá’s uptick in form is likely to be mirrored by an increase in value over the next few months. Maybe not back to the £80 million plus which Manchester City were planning to pay – but a season of creation and goals will only be to both his and West Ham’s advantage. He has the chance to shine again. And how badly he is needed.