As a football data analyst with 15 years of experience, I’ve watched in disbelief as West Ham’s handling of Lucas Paqueta exemplified the disconnect between elite talent and systemic neglect. This is not just about one player’s decline—it’s a case study in how mismanagement, undercompensation, and tactical misfit can dismantle a career. From world-class potential to bench waste, this is the truth behind the numbers. Why did English football fail to protect its most promising Brazilian midfielder? Let’s break it down—data first.