Declan Rice told Lucas Paqueta on Instagram that he was ‘on fire’ during West Ham United’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr also reacted to Paqueta scoring at St James’ Park by sending a heart and smiling face with heart-eyes emoji to his fellow countryman.
It was a brilliant, quick-thinking and efficient goal from Paqueta, especially given that it’s the first Eddie Howe’s side have conceded since the start of November in the Premier League.

Whilst Paqueta struggled during the early stages of his career in East London, including now being involved in a relegation battle, his form is starting to pick up.
That was a gritty, yet deserved performance and point from David Moyes’ side and another point away from danger.
After the game, Paqueta posted on his IG: ‘Very important point today, happy for the team’s delivery and the goal’, with Rice adding in the comments section ‘On fire today, brother’.
PAQUETA IS KEY TO WEST HAM’S SEASON-ENDING
Going by what West Ham have produced during the past few seasons, then they will feel this is a false position and a battle they just simply shouldn’t be involved in.
But the team themselves have put them in a sticky situation, and that’s hovering one point above the drop zone after 21 matches.
The likes of Everton and Wolves, in and around them, did win on Saturday, with Leeds United yet to play. But with players like Paqueta in their ranks and the Brazil ace starting to warm up, then there is no reason why they shouldn’t avoid the drop.
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