What Everton manager David Moyes said about Lucas Paqueta in FA trial
Everton manager David Moyes took to the stand to defend West Ham star Lucas Paqueta in his FA trial.
While Moyes was focused on getting results on the pitch with Everton, he also tried to help his former player to clear his name.
Paqueta was accused of four counts of being deliberately booked to influence betting markets, but he was ultimately cleared of those charges.
Everton reportedly tried to sign Paqueta in the final few days of the transfer window, but he ended up remaining with the Hammers.
What David Moyes said at FA trial to defend Lucas Paqueta
Moyes was a prominent witness in Paqueta’s defence in the hearing, and he spoke to defend the Brazilian earlier this year despite Everton’s season not being completed.
The transcript of the Football Association hearing was released on 3 September, and it gave a fascinating insight into what Moyes felt about the accusations against his former player.
He said (page 193-194): “I have re-watched the yellow card incidents closely and, based on my own footballing experience and knowledge of [the Player], consider them to be entirely within the normal range of actions for this player.
“The word I would use to describe [the Player’s] playing style is maverick… he plays in a high risk, high reward way and he does, therefore, have a tendency to give the ball away.
“Defensively, [the Player] does not have quite the same level of ability. However, he is a physical specimen and would work extremely hard in defence… he would work hard to get it back, but sometimes he could make a poor choice or be a little rash.”
- Read More: David Moyes given new dilemma as headline-grabbing signing warned he may be Everton back-up
David Moyes testimony shows exactly why his players love him
Moyes is known for building teams that fight until the last kick of the ball, and that is a reflection of his attitude towards his players.
The Scotsman will run through brick walls for a player if they put in the work and show that they want to be part of the positive culture under his management.
His testimony for Paqueta shows this, and he would likely do the same if any of his current players were involved in proceedings.
- Paqueta signed for West Ham when Moyes was in charge
- He played 84 matches under the now Everton boss
- Moyes was his manager for all four incidents
Moyes’ tenure with the Irons was his most successful time in management, as he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, and he will hope to bring a similar level of success to the Toffees.
If he can foster a similar relationship with his squad to the one that he has with Paqueta, one of mutual respect and belief in each other, then there is every chance that he can do so.
The Friedkin Group backed him heavily in the transfer window and now he will hope that the new additions can bed in quickly, and forge a good relationship with him and the rest of his team.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.