West Ham United have been handed a massive boost in regards to Lucas Paqueta, the Brazilian will likely play for the Hammers for the whole of the 24/25 Premier League campaign.

West Ham and Paqueta have been looking anxiously over their shoulders in recent months since Paqueta has been investigated by the FA for betting breaches. However, if charged, it is very unlikely to happen until the back end of the season. Even then the midfielder’s representatives are likely to appeal the decision which would delay it even further, almost guaranteeing he can play for the whole season.

Lucas Paqueta is a crucial player for West Ham and new manager Julen Lopetegui will see him as a crucial part of his starting eleven. While the Hammers could cope quite well without him, he is undoubtedly one of the most talented players to put on a West Ham shirt in years.

A midfield three of Alvarez Paqueta and Kudus sounds very attacking but if Lopetegui can get it to gel, it has the potential to be up there with one of the best midfield trios in the league. Alverez will have to be a lot more disciplined for it to work, but Paqueta could work very well alongside Kudus. Both can pass, dribble, and shoot. But most importantly, they can both get stuck in and tackle which is crucial in a high-pressing system. They are both also very very strong so a mix of all of this is a good recipe for a great partnership in the centre of the park.

One of Paqueta’s most underrated traits is his aerial ability, he can win headers in midfield as well as Soucek sometimes despite not being ridiculously tall, this is another thing that can help him thrive in a deeper role in the Premier League, a lot like he has done already for the Brazil national team where he has often played in between Casemiro and an attacking wizard, like Neymar.

If not in the middle of the park, Paqueta is also able to show his talents out wide. Crysencio Summerville is an excellent signing out there, however, due to his age and inexperience, he does sometimes go missing. So, it’s unlikely he will play every minute out on the left. Despite not being a natural left-winger who will take people on directly like Summerville. Paqueta’s vision and skillfulness make him a different threat from wide, and he impressed there at times under David Moyes last season.

All in all, the Brazilian is unbelievably talented and undeniably a very important cog in any West Ham United system, so the fact he is likely to be able to play at least the vast majority od the season is crucial. With no distraction of European football this season, this West Ham team has the potential to have a special season in both the Premier League and the domestic cups.