Two West Ham stars are praised by the Freiburg boss, with one being of “fantastic quality.”
After Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League loss against West Ham United, Freiburg coach Christian Streich was eager to emphasise the “fantastic quality” of Lucas Paqueta and the genius of Mohammed Kudus.
In order to pass Freiburg and take the lead in Group A, David Moyes’ team had to triumph. And they made sure of it, too, sprinting into a 2-0 lead at the interval and putting some of the ghosts that had left the West Ham fans looking rather ghastly after their five-goal pounding at the hands of Fulham a few days before to rest.
Against Freiburg, Edson Alvarez, who was greatly missed at Craven Cottage, returned and was outstanding. The Mexican international scored the second goal following a deft one-two with Jarrod Bowen, after setting up Mohammed Kudus’ first with a beautifully-weighted clipped ball.
On the other hand, Lucas Paqueta usually reserves his greatest performances for Europe, and this one was no exception. Paqueta almost scored another spectacular goal to match his Olympiakos wondergoal, shaking the Freiburg bar with a powerful volley. It was a classic example of his class and inventiveness.
Freiburg lost to West Ham in the Europa League.
And Streich was pleased with the outcome, his habitual overachievers undone by Moyes’s greater individual talent.
“It’s challenging to close the gaps. “Jordy Makengo, a defender for Freiburg, was competing against a highly skilled player such as Kudus,” Streich states, citing information from the Irish News. In addition to the entire team, Lucas Paqueta possesses exceptional quality.
“It’s difficult to play against a team like West Ham if you don’t play at your best.”
The winners of the Europa Conference League may now afford to forego a play-off matchup with a third-place Champions League team that is relegating from above in favour of gaining a spot in the round of sixteen at Freiburg’s expense.
And Moyes was eager to express his admiration for Alvarez and Kudus, the two former Ajax teammates who were showcasing their skill and perseverance at the London Stadium.
Cruising into the Europa League knockout stages, Moyes grinned, “(Alvarez) did great.” “It was a fantastic pass that helped with the first one. Then, he scored a significant goal after a terrific link-up with Jarrod. I’m therefore rather happy for him tonight.
Kudus and Alvarez have already made significant contributions. Mohammed has aims primarily, Edson has other components, and both will improve.
“They’ve both done a great job and have really settled in.”
