Who is Lucas Paqueta? The ‘new Kaka’ outshining Neymar in Ligue 1 and wanted by Arsenal

Robin Bairner

12 Jul 2022 13:09 BST
6 min read

Lucas Paqueta, Lyon, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Lucas Paqueta was one of the stars of Brazil’s run to the final of the 2020 Copa America and has maintained that level with club side Lyon.

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Paqueta was the only scorer in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals as Brazil made it through to the summer showpiece, muscling his way into a regular starting place for the national team in the process.

Indeed, he is now the foremost Brazilian attacker in France’s top flight, having overtaken Neymar in terms of his on-field production.

With a move likely to follow in the summer of 2022, whichever club signs the 24-year-old will be blessed by a very talented player indeed.

What position does Lucas Paqueta play in?

One of Paqueta’s great strengths is his versatility, though his preferred position is as a central midfielder. His all-round game means that he can play a variety of roles even in that area. Paqueta is comfortable playing deep or in a No.10 role.

This season, he has even been used as a false nine for Lyon. While he has performed that task admirably, it is not one he favours.

How good is Lucas Paqueta?

Paqueta was branded the ‘new Kaka’ when he broke onto the scene and moved to Milan in a high-profile move from Flamengo when he was just 21. It was a tag that he ultimately struggled to live up to and only 18 months on he was sold to Lyon for €20 million – around half the price the Italians paid for him.

Paqueta has since flourished at Lyon, becoming one of the stars of Ligue 1 and establishing himself as an important member of the Brazil national team.

Graceful and accurate in possession, what is impressive about his game is that he is a player who actually enjoys doing the dirty work, too.

When I went through difficult times, Neymar told me that I had to be patient, that I was a great player

- Lucas Paqueta

And Neymar has his back, too.

“He’s an idol for me,” Paqueta explained. “It’s always special to play alongside him. When I went through difficult times, he told me that I had to be patient, that I was a great player.”

Those dark periods are, for the moment forgotten, though.

“The year 2021 has been wonderful for me. I’m very happy with what I’m doing with Lyon and the national team. We’re the Brazil jersey has always been a dream for me,” he explained.

What clubs are interested in Lucas Paqueta?

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A post shared by Lucas Paquetá (@lucaspaqueta)

The player has previously insisted that he is not looking for a way out of Lyon, although he admitted that apparently outbound sporting director Juninho was a key reason why he turned down Atletico Madrid to move to Lyon.

However, Newcastle and Arsenal are both interested in signing him, with the Gunners stepping up their pursuit, according to Goal France.

Newcastle had previously identified Paqueta as an ideal summer target, but have moved further afield as they look at other areas of the squad to improve. However, Arsenal remain keen on the Brazilian.