Lucas Paqueta states the importance of taking things one game at a time and how West Ham must not get ahead of themselves.

When you’re watching Lucas Paqueta, you’re not just watching a sensational footballer but you’re also witnessing a world-class entertainer. He knows exactly how to get a crowd going and he does it with pure class.

Thankfully, that talent was on display against Freiburg on Thursday night where he gave West Ham the all important opener to bring his side level on aggregate. While the 5-0 win is one that will live on in the memory of players and fans alike, the midfielder understands that there is still a long way to go before they’ve achieved anything this season. 

“I’ve been delighted to be back on the scoresheet in the last matches, and to be able to help the team,” Paqueta told the official site. “We were all really pleased with the win on Thursday night. We were confident that with the support of the fans we could turn the result around, and we were really happy to be able to make them proud.”

“The draw is exciting. We know Bayer Leverkusen are a really strong team, and they are unbeaten this season which is incredible. But, if we want to go all the way, we can’t pick who our opponents are and we have to beat the best.”

“We can’t look past that game in the Europa League, but first we have to make sure we carry our momentum into Sunday against Aston Villa. We know it’s going to be a hard game, but we will be confident too.”

Despite their being rumours that the Brazilian could be on the move this Summer, he is clearly delighted to be at the London Stadium and he is eager to make more moments that will cement his name in West Ham history.

“I’m so happy with what we’ve achieved during my time here at the Club,” he confirmed. “I’m very proud to have been part of the team that made history by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, that brought so much joy to the supporters.”

“I continue to find myself becoming more and more comfortable here, with the players, the staff and the fans. It’s a joy, and now we just want to keep pushing forward. At the moment, we are in a strong position in the league and in Europe. It’s exciting, and I hope I can keep contributing to the ongoing success at West Ham.”

Everyone knows what a game changer our Brazilian magnifico could be and, while everyone is looking forward to the Leverkusen ties, today’s game against Aston Villa is just as vital. If we are to finish this season as strongly as possible, potentially even doing the impossible by winning the Europa League, then there is no doubt that Paqueta will play a pivotal role in doing so.