Following reports linking Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City, what could the Brazilian midfielder add to Pep Guardiola’s squad?
The Brazilian midfielder generally does his best work in midfield. He has the versatility to play in each position in central midfield, and is blessed with great technical ability. At times for David Moyes’s squad he lined up alongside Declan Rice as a holding midfielder. Though his best work is done playing as a number 8 or a number 10, he primarily shines as a number 8 similar to Ilkay Gundogan.
Paqueta was a key weapon in David Moyes’s lineup, despite the tactical set-up at West Ham not being ideally suited to his strengths. The quality he showed last season for West Ham has firmly put him on City’s radar.
Lucas Paquetá vs Fiorentina Conference league Final pic.twitter.com/tLIhYYSBd6
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During his spell with French club Lyon, Paqueta was one of the French side’s primary attacking weapons from midfield. He would often drop into the spaces between attack and midfield. From there his creativity shone through. Playing in a side that primarily dominated possession, the Brazilian international showed that he can be a creative weapon in a ball-dominant side. Those traits would be a welcome addition to the treble winner’s lineup.
He made 80 appearances at the French club contributing 21 goals and 13 assists during his spell in France.
If a move does eventuate the Brazilian international will be moving to a team more suited to his strengths. Under Pep Guardiola and in a team that dominates possession, it would allow Lucas Paqueta to shine. While his game isn’t complete, being only 25 and working under one of the best managers of all time would give the Brazilian the chance to develop in an elite environment.
