The sight of Paquetá dancing with teammate Nayef Aguerd after scoring in the recent wins over KAA Gent and AFC Bournemouth are confirmation, if any was needed, that the Brazil international is feeling right at home at West Ham United.
The Brazil international made a name for celebrating his goals with funk carioca dance steps, paying tribute to the brand of music made famous in his home city of Rio de Janeiro.
Paquetá marked many of the goals he scored for French club Olympique Lyonnais with a jig, and they made a welcome return after the No11 found the net in the Hammers’ recent victories.
The 25-year-old has now not only settled into life at London Stadium, but also adapted to the intensity of the Premier League.
After producing impressive performances in the recent wins over Nottingham Forest and Southampton and draws with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Arsenal, the No11 produced his most influential display yet at Vitality Stadium.
Paquetá covered every blade of grass, touching the ball more times (62) and making more passes (47) and tackles (five) than any of his teammates. He also weighed in with his fourth goal of the season in style, towering above the significantly taller Jack Stephens and powering an unstoppable header into the Cherries goal.
Speaking to West Ham TV, the South American explained how he has found his rhythm in Claret and Blue.
“It was a great game,” he confirmed. “We managed to secure a really good result, four goals. I was very happy to get on the scoresheet and help West Ham get all three points.
“I feel the players are understanding each other more and more on the pitch. It’s normal that, with time, the players get the hang of each other. I feel like we are demonstrating that in the games. I’m very happy to be helping out my teammates and West Ham as a whole.
“I can safely say that I am adapting. Yes, it took some time to identify myself with the pace of the Premier League, the physicality, but I believe I am now 100 per cent adapted and I hope to get better and better and give my all each time I step out onto the field.”
Paquetá’s all-round game has impressed his manager, teammates and supporters alike, and he is now adding goals and assists too, registering two of each in West Ham’s previous two fixtures.
The first of those two goals came from the penalty spot against Gent, when regular taker Saïd Benrahma ceded responsibility to enable the Brazilian to net for the first time at London Stadium.
“Goals are always the happiest part of football,” he confirmed. “Of course I was eager to get on the scoresheet, but I’m happy the goals have finally come. I hope it continues like this.
“It was something that was playing on my mind, wanting to score at our stadium, in front of our fans. I’m delighted that in our last home game I was able to score and celebrate my first goal at the London Stadium with the fans. It was a very special moment for me.”
Next month, the Irons’ quest to win the UEFA Europa Conference League will continue with a semi-final clash with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
But first, Paquetá faces a home game with Liverpool on Wednesday evening, when he will square-off with Brazil teammates Allison and Fabinho.
“We’re taking it game by game,” the midfielder explained. “Sunday was an important victory in the Premier League, but without a doubt we want to win the Conference League, we want to mark our name in the history of West Ham.”
