Michael Owen says West Ham star can become ‘top-class’ in years to come after ‘big blow’

Follow us on Google Discover

Michael Owen thinks Lucas Paqueta could become a ‘top-class’ player to grace the Premier League over the next few seasons, but added that his injury is a ‘big blow’ to West Ham United, as he told Premier League Productions (19/10/22 at 7:10 pm).

David Moyes’ side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night at Anfield, with the ever-progressing Flynn Downes starting instead of the 25-year-old summer signing from Lyon.

Just like the Hammers have felt for the majority of the season so far, it was another frustrating evening of action, although, they will be kicking themselves that they didn’t take something from the game.

Jarrod Bowen watched his penalty saved by Alisson Becker, whilst as the game drew to a close, a number of guilt-edge chances were missed.

Either way, someone like Paqueta has been a shining light for his team and he will be a huge miss for his side during his time of absence.

Before yesterday’s game could kick off, Owen spoke about the midfielder’s injury and what he can do down the line in the colours of the Claret & Blue.

“I have got a funny feeling he could be a top-class player to grace the Premier League over the next few seasons,” said Owen.

“So, it’s a big blow for them, but it gives opportunities to other players, with Downes coming in. Rice and Soucek are a solid Premier League pairing.”

WORLD CUP IS AROUND THE CORNER

If any player suffers a knock or injury of any kind now, then they will be nervously sweating at the prospect of how that can impact them.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar is around the corner and there are several players already set to miss out – N’Golo Kante of Chelsea and Diogo Jota of Liverpool. Even Reece James looks like he will be watching from home.

And now, Pacqueta will have to put himself in that box because his ‘serious’ injury might just mean he doesn’t earn that all-important Golden ticket for Brazil, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Heading to the Middle East, Brazil are going to be one of the favourites to win the entire thing, and given the quality within their squad, it would be a surprise if they don’t, at the very least, make it to the semi-final, so missing out on that would be gut-wrenching for any player.