Interview with a Brazilian journalist on Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paquetá is highly anticipated in Italy ... and fantasy football. Because Milan has concluded this signing of 35 million euros and one of the most famous journalists in Brazil, Jorge Nicola, at SOS Fanta tells all about this guy even in the light of the January auction, when the Flamengo trequartista will become a Rossoneri player.
Jorge, Paquetá goes to Milan: does he really have a potential such as Neymar?
"Milan have done a great signing. Because maybe it will not come to the level of Neymar, but it is the most promising player in Brazil. And the merit of its versatility: this guy in the field does everything very well."
It's not just a game, in short ...
"Absolutely no. He has dribbling and playmaking in his locker, but he also chases the opponents, gives the soul on the pitch, has quality even in the thought of the blow he proposes. A mature young man let's say."
In what role do you see him in Gattuso's Milan?
"At the Flamengo he started as a mezzala, then he was a playmaker and played as a second striker when needed. The best Paquetá we have always seen him from number 10, from playmaker and I think that Gattuso will make him play higher up the pitch. But from mezzala it's a solution."
Distinguished comparisons: who reminds you of Paquetá?
"Kaka, without a doubt. But compared to Ricardo, Paquetá is better at defensive recoveries, he knows how to sacrifice himself a lot more. Obviously, however, today at the offensive level it is much less incisive than a champion like Kakà but Paqueta has a lot of room for growth."
Gentle question: Is there a risk that he could flop like Gabigol?
"I really do not think so. First of all, they have a totally different style of play and personality. Gabigol has always been protected in the world of Santos, always treated as an immense talent; so, he just had trouble in a new world at Inter and then it collapsed. While Paquetá had to wait two years on the bench before having a real opportunity. He took it on the spark, took his place and showed an immense talent, which was deservedly. He can sacrifice himself much more than Gabigol and this also helps in his vows."
For those who play fantasy football: Must we expect assists and goals?
"He’s very good with his left foot, so I would say yes. He knows how to score but also assists, he really likes to find the right pass. And he’s getting a lot better in the final third. But be careful: he is a tall midfielder, in Brazil he has already made some goals in important matches with his head ...".
How do you see him at Milan? So many clubs wanted Paquetá...
"PSG was very close, Milan was good. I am convinced that Paquetá at Milan will do wonderful things, he can become a starter in a short time and become the fans' idol. I think that Flamengo sold him at a relatively low price".
We know that even in Brazil you play fantasy football, it's called Cartola: how is Paquetá?
"He has the best average rating among all the midfielders! Let's talk about one of the best in South America. On ESPN we have a ranking of the Brazilian league with the performance of the players updated for every game in the Brazilian league, I only say that between goals, assists and votes Paquetá is the first for a performance!".