17 December 2023 , 19:19
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David Moyes joked that Lucas Paqueta often leaves him “pulling my hair out" - but the West Ham manager believes the stress is worth it because his Brazilian star has a natural ability few can match.
Paqueta provided the assists for all three goals against Wolves and his partnership with Mohammed Kudus, who scored the opening pair, is blossoming. Jarrod Bowen added a third against a Wolves team who had more possession and shots but were punished by their ruthless hosts.
And asked about Paqueta's trio of assists, Moyes said: “He’s a special player. I’ve not had a huge amount of special players with that amount of talent.
"There’s a bit of leeway we have to give him. As I’ve got a bit older I’ve realised when they have that talent you have to let them flourish. But his work rate as well for the team has been excellent."
Kudus’ brace took his tally to nine goals in all competitions. However, the Ghana star is one of four West Ham players expected to miss most of January to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations. And Moyes admits that is a concern.
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“It’s a huge blow because he scores and makes goals,” he added. “We’re going to have to find other ways.
"I have to say we’ll hugely miss him, as we will Nayef [Aguerd]. We’re not sure about Said [Benrahma] or Maxi [Cornet] yet.”
West Ham have won three of their past four games but the odd one out was a 5-0 hammering away to Fulham seven days ago.
Moyes believes his team can improve further and they face Liverpool away in the last eight of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night. The Scot added: "The big thing I’m looking forward to is I think we can play much better.
"We’ve got a bit more to go, whether that be defending better or controlling it a bit more. There’s more steps for us to take. Hopefully we can do that.”