Freddie Potts admits Lucas Paqueta’s “incredible ability” is a particular standout when it comes to all the teammates he’s ever played with.
Few would doubt Paqueta’s ability, of course. The Brazilian was brilliant at times for West Ham United, but consistency was always an issue.
How will you remember Lucas Paqueta? 🤔
A graphic showing Lucas Paqueta's all-time statistics for West Ham.
Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/MB Media
The midfielder left behind a complicated legacy when he upped sticks and returned to former club Flamengo back in January.
Paqueta will always be the man who provided the assist for Jarrod Bowen during that night in Prague, but the manner in which he left the club halfway through a relegation battle left a sour taste in the mouth.
Still, Potts will remember the things he could do on the ball.
Potts hails Paqueta’s ‘incredible’ ability
Midfielder Potts is still at a relatively early stage of his career at the top level.
The 22-year-old has made 21 appearances in the Premier League after loan stints at Portsmouth and Charlton.
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Freddie Potts of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
With all due respect to the quality of players there, it is perhaps unsurprising that Paqueta has stood out to him.
Asked for his three best ever teammates, Potts told West Ham’s official website: “Lucas Paqueta had incredible ability, while Matt Ritchie, who was at Portsmouth, helped me out massively. I still talk to him now. He’s a great player, a great leader and a great role model.
“At Wycombe, I played with Garath McCleary. He was another great role model for me and has a lot of experience, so he helped me out massively.”
Freddie Potts celebrates after Lucas Paqueta scores for West Ham United against Leeds.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The two made 12 appearances together, but won only twice.
Paqueta infuriated West Ham fans by leaving the club, although it would be fair to say that things have started to work out without him.
While not to downplay his quality, the collective at West Ham has improved significantly since his departure.
In fact, it’s almost impossible to imagine a scenario in which Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would be anywhere close to Premier League survival had he stayed.
Not every problem West Ham encountered before his mid-season departure was Paqueta’s fault, obviously.
Still, his exit has helped Nuno transform his side into a much more coherent team, one that now looks capable of avoiding relegation.
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