West Ham United’s polarising attacker, Lucas Paqueta left the club to return to Brazil last month. The 28-year-old had an up and down time in London, but his quality was on display throughout most matchdays, including that pass in Prague.
Whilst some thought the departure of the attacking midfielder would make West Ham’s survival more difficult, it appears to have allowed another player to flourish. Crysencio Summerville is in his second season with the Hammers and is just beginning to show his worth.
The former Leeds United winger has scored six goals this season, hitting form in January as Paqueta left the building. The new found freedom for the Dutchman has allowed him to get in on the stats and guide his team to some much needed wins.
The new-look Summerville is set to be a very important player for West Ham, as they look to stay in the Premier League.
Crysencio Summerville’s superb form
Since Nuno Espiritio Santo was appointed West Ham boss he has made it imperative to get more out of the winger. Whilst he did not want to lose Paqueta, it seems gifting the freedom that the Brazilian had to Summerville, has unleashed a new player.
24-year-old Summerville joined the Hammers on the back of a 24 goal Championship season for Leeds United. After only scoring once in his first season, some were ready to label the Dutchman a bust, and it would have made sense.
Crysencio Summerville’s 2025/26 West Ham United statistics
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 23 | 6 | 2 |
This season, the tired has turned, and all under Nuno. Since being given a more free-role, Summerville has scored six goals, with all six coming in his last seven games. The 24-year-old scored the winner against QPR and Burton Albion in the FA Cup. Those goals were followed up in Premier League wins over Sunderland and Burnley.
Under Nuno, Summerville is now a player of huge importance. His form, and goal scoring ability, will be key in the Hammers survival fight.
Summerville can “flourish” – David James
Former West Ham and England goalkeeper agrees with the sentiment that Summerville has improved with the departure of Paqueta. Speaking on BBC’s 5 Live, James stated that the winger can flourish with his new role.
“With [Lucas] Paqueta leaving, I think what has happened now is the rest of the players have the opportunity to flourish and I think Summerville has fallen into that. If you look at his recent form it’s all since Paqueta has not been there.
“I thought he [Summerville] was a great signing when they signed him and have been waiting waited for him to show the kind of form from when he was at Leeds and sometimes he was he was superb. Now we’re seeing it.”
