High-priced West Ham player should no longer be a regular starter

West Ham United extended their unbeaten run to three Premier League matches with a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the London Stadium. Despite having less possession, the Hammers created better scoring chances based on expected goals (xG).

However, one player in particular has been underperforming this season – Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The expensive summer signing has yet to register an assist in 19 appearances and has struggled to make a consistent impact.

Against Brighton, Paqueta lost possession 14 times and completed just 78% of his passes. He also picked up his fifth yellow card, ruling him out of the Boxing Day match against Southampton.

With Paqueta suspended, manager David Moyes has an opportunity to try different options in midfield. Moving Mohammed Kudus centrally or giving a chance to summer signing Carlos Soler could provide more creativity and attacking threat.

Young academy product Lewis Orford is another intriguing option who could bring energy and fresh legs to the midfield. At just 18, he has impressed for the U21s this season with 3 assists in 12 appearances.

Whether Moyes opts for a like-for-like replacement in Soler, a more attacking setup with Kudus centrally, or trusts youth in Orford, the Boxing Day fixture presents an ideal chance to experiment without Paqueta in the lineup.

If West Ham can find a more effective midfield formula, it could help extend their unbeaten run and push them up the Premier League table in the second half of the season.