Lucas Paqueta is West Ham’s born entertainer with a bag of tricks, but the Brazilian does the hard yards too… the Irons need their in-form playmaker to take centre stage to end David Moyes’ Anfield hoodoo

• Lucas Paqueta has been in stunning form for West Ham in recent weeks
• He scores and assists goals, but is also willing to put in the hard yards for his side
• Where is Liverpool’s Declan Rice? If Jordan Henderson hadn’t taken the Saudi cash, he’d be in Jurgen Klopp’s team – It’s All Kicking Off

David Moyes has never won at Liverpool in 20 visits as a manager but when there is a potential victory to be pinched, it helps having a playmaker with feet as delicate as a pickpocket’s hands.

Lucas Paqueta performed so well in West Ham’s 3-1 Premier League loss at Anfield in September that there was applause from home supporters when he was substituted after 87 minutes.

They know as well as West Ham’s fans that the in-form Paqueta is someone to fear in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup quarter-final. Someone who could sidestep you in a phone box. 

Someone who plays killer passes, like his two assists for Mohammed Kudus against Wolves on Sunday. Someone who wins fouls, providing James Ward-Prowse with set-piece opportunities.

Someone who frustrates the hell out of his manager, too, when one of his tricks leads to the loss of the ball. Yet Moyes has given Paqueta rare dispensation, telling his Brazilian magnifico that he will not slap on the shackles at the risk of losing what makes him so special.

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta has been a standout performer for West Ham this season

He provided three assists, two for Mohammed Kudus (L), in West Ham’s win over Wolves

David Moyes will need Paqueta at his best if West Ham are to beat Liverpool on Wednesday

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‘I’m pulling my hair out half the time and the other part of it, I’m celebrating because he can make passes that other people can’t see and don’t make,’ Moyes said of his £51million maverick when asked by Mail Sport this week. 

‘I’m not someone who likes giving too much leeway to any of my players. But as I’ve got older, I’ve realised that when you have that talent, you have to let them flourish.’

Paqueta’s party tricks against Wolves won him his own segment on Match of the Day 2. Quite right, too, because it was a dazzling display of step-overs and spins which deserved appreciation beyond the London Stadium.

What was not shown was the industry that goes with the wonder, as underlined by the statistics. You might think Edson Alvarez has been West Ham’s top tackler this season, but it is Paqueta.

LUCAS PAQUETA STATS

Chances created from open play

West Ham ranking: 1st

Premier League ranking: 14th 

Tackles won

West Ham ranking: 1st

Premier League ranking: 4th 

Duels won

West Ham ranking: 1st

Premier League ranking: 2nd 

Touches of the ball 

West Ham ranking: 1st

Premier League ranking: 30th 

You might think Tomas Soucek is their strongest dueller, but it is Paqueta. You might think Jarrod Bowen has won possession most in the final third, but, surprise, surprise, Paqueta again.

This relentless work rate is even more impressive because Paqueta has been secretly carrying a calf injury – a consequence of the club’s hectic schedule.

West Ham do not want to lose their star man, though two of Mail Sport’s previous revelations are worrying in that regard.

First, we broke the news he is being investigated by the Football Association amid irregular betting activity on him receiving yellow cards. Then, we revealed that Paqueta’s contract contains an £85m buyout clause which comes into play in the summer.

As painstakingly secretive as it is painfully slow, the FA’s probe is still ongoing. Sources say investigators are struggling to find any direct links to Paqueta. Confidence is growing at West Ham because of that, though there will be no celebrations until it is confirmed.

The Hammers board are also wary that if and when his name is cleared, Paqueta will not be short of admirers, including the potential return of Manchester City after they chased him previously.

In the meantime, West Ham are making the most of his flair and freedom, and Kudus is looking like the biggest beneficiary.

Word is when Kudus was mulling over the club’s offer, the Ghanaian speedster wanted two guarantees: that he would get ample game time, and that he would be playing with Paqueta. Hammers technical director Tim Steidten insisted they had no interest in selling to City.

West Ham completed the £38m signing of Kudus, though Ajax had the good sense to insert a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The market analyst CIES Football Observatory say he is now the club’s most valuable asset at £69m, closely followed by Paqueta and Bowen.

Paqueta is a born entertainer, but also puts the hard yards in for his team on the pitch

Paqueta was linked with Man City in the summer and it is easy to see why after his performances this season

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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Moyes is still fiddling with his front line. Towards the end of the win over Wolves, we saw another new variation with Kudus at No 10 and Paqueta at No 9. Tonight, Bowen is expected to lead the line with Kudus on his right and Paqueta on his left ahead of his best friend, Emerson.

For all the talk of Moyes’ position being under threat – his contract expires at the end of this season with no talks having opened yet – West Ham are in fine health with his help.

They are eighth in the Premier League, above Brighton and Chelsea and chasing down Manchester United and Newcastle. They are through to the Europa League’s last 16 as winners of their group. They still have the FA Cup’s third round to follow against Bristol City.

Moyes may be pragmatic, but if the sorcerous Paqueta can have his way tonight, West Ham’s manager may finally secure that magic first win at Anfield for a place in the Carabao Cup’s semi-finals.

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