Paquetá's quality has been clear in 2023.
Since returning from a spell away from the action due to a collarbone injury sustained against Southampton in October, the Brazilian has found his form, scoring twice for the Club - in draws away to Leeds United and Newcastle United - and showing why the Irons spent a record fee to secure his services last summer.
And while the No11 missed the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, he was back in the starting XI as the Hammers beat Nottingham Forest 4-0 on Saturday afternoon, and his class on and off the ball was evident for all 62,500 inside London Stadium to see.
“I know how important I am to the team, with the role I play in it,” Paquetá stated. “So, I'm happy to have done my best to help out and to get the win today.
“The manager is always supporting us in training sessions - we are all in this together. We are fighting at the bottom end of the table, and we know that regardless of the game or circumstances, we have to try to go in, win and get the three points. And [Forest] was no different.”
The Brazil creative was a particular standout against Forest, with three successful tackles and 80 per cent pass completion. A third goal for the Club almost came too, when he arrowed an effort narrowly over the bar, moments before Danny Ings gave the Hammers the lead.
But his role in the next two goals was important. He showed his tenacity down the left to find Saïd Benrahma, whose cross was converted by Ings for his second of the afternoon. His movement then drew the Forest defenders away from Declan Rice, allowing the skipper to curl home a stunning third.
They are the sort of link-ups that show the squad has gelled.
“The team made a lot of signings, and that makes it a bit difficult to get that understanding,” he explained, “but I think we are on the right track this year.
“We are on a better wavelength, getting to know each other better, getting the ball on the floor and playing.”
Since the turn of the new year, David Moyes’ side are unbeaten at home – and have lost just two league matches. They head into a busy March schedule that features Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Conference League action confident, then.
A trip to Manchester United for a fifth-round FA Cup tie is followed by an away fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Irons are then in Conference League round of 16 action, away to Cypriot league leaders AEK Larnaca on Thursday 9 March.
With the challenge clear, Paquetá feels ready to kick-on. Three away fixtures are the perfect opportunity for the Irons to improve their form on their travels, according to the No11.
“The win [against Forest] gives us more confidence ahead of Wednesday in the Cup,” he enthused, “and we’ll play our best to book our ticket into the next round.
“We are in other competitions, and we intend to go as far as possible and, if possible, win titles.”
