Nuno Espírito Santo’s Herculean task of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League this season could be about to get much harder.
On top of having to arrest the East Londoners’ terrible form, the Portuguese manager could be without the brilliant Lucas Paqueta once the winter window opens.
At least, that is according to recent reports claiming that the Brazilian wants to leave the London Stadium before the campaign is over.
However, it might not be all doom and gloom, as the academy could provide West Ham with the perfect replacement.
West Ham's Paqueta solutions
If Paqueta really is set to leave in January, then Nuno has to start looking at possible solutions as soon as possible, and the good news is that he might already have a few in his squad.
For example, while it would be a bold move, the manager could start giving the young Luis Guilherme more opportunities to play and start in attacking midfield over the next month.
After all, while he is looked at as more of a winger at the moment, he is no stranger to playing in the ten, having done so in Brazil and even for the Hammers before.
Moreover, even though he is nowhere near the finished product just yet, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the 19-year-old prospect as a player who “thrives on transitions” and can “turn past players with ease” thanks to his “elite ball manipulation.”
On top of that, while he’s not the most shot-happy player, when he does let one off in a dangerous area, it’s often of “high calibre.”
Like Guilherme, Nuno could also move summer signing Mateus Fernandes back into an attacking midfield role, which is an area of the pitch he spent plenty of time in during his time with Southampton.
With all that said, there is another young player, someone who might be the most exciting of all, who could be West Ham’s perfect Paqueta replacement.
West Ham's perfect Paqueta replacement
There are certainly other options when it comes to replacing Paqueta for West Ham, but perhaps the most exciting one would be to play George Earthy.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Yes, it would undoubtedly be something of a gamble to hand the 21-year-old prospect far more game time than he’s ever had before, but he’s one of, if not the most exciting, players in the club’s academy.
Moreover, before his recent injury, his record in the youth sides was nothing short of incredible.
For example, in 60 appearances for the U18s, totalling 4804 minutes, he scored 25 goals and provided 18 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.39 games, or every 111.72 minutes.
Then, upon moving up to the U21s, he has scored 17 goals and provided 13 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3444 minutes.
Appearances
60
51
Minutes
4804′
3444′
Goals
25
17
Assists
18
13
Goal Involvements per Match
0.71
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
111.72′
114.8′
In other words, he’s averaging a goal involvement every 1.7 games, or every 114.8 minutes, which is more impressive when taking into consideration the fact that he mainly plays in attacking midfield.
However, it’s not just the output that makes the young prospect so “priceless,” in the words of coach Steve Potts, but his overall game.
For example, according to Mattinson, he’s become a “creative left-footed #10 with good ball manipulation and retention” who “does well in tight spaces.”
On top of his efforts in the academy and the technical foundation, which should serve him well in the Premier League, the youngster also has a decent amount of senior experience.
For example, he spent last season on loan with Bristol City and ended up making 40 appearances across all competitions.
Ultimately, even though it would be something of a gamble, West Ham should look to play Earthy in place of Paqueta if he ends up leaving, as he could be a future superstar.