West Ham duo Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta have not lived up to expectations at the London Stadium, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The east London club spent big money on the striker and attacking midfielder during the summer, but they have not managed to help their side climb the table.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

How much did Scamacca and Paqueta cost?

Scamacca and Paqueta were not cheap purchases. According to Sky Sports, West Ham paid Sassuolo around £35m for the former as David Moyes looked to bolster his forward options.

As for his team-mate, the same outlet claims that the Hammers agreed a £51m deal with Lyon to sign the Brazilian.

Having spent that kind of money on just two players, West Ham will be disappointed to find themselves 16th in the Premier League table.

They are just one point above the relegation zone, but it is a long season with a lot of football still to be played after the World Cup.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has O'Rourke said about Scamacca and Paqueta?

O'Rourke thinks Moyes will want to see more from Scamacca and Paqueta in the second part of the campaign.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "They spent quite heavily in the summer. The owners did back David Moyes with some big-name signings, Scamacca, Paqueta and everyone else.

"Maybe those players haven't hit the heights just yet for West Ham or lived up to expectations, so David Moyes, I'm sure, will be hoping for more from some of his summer signings in the second half of the season."

Can Scamacca and Paqueta carry West Ham up the table?

They certainly have the quality to. Scamacca scored 16 goals in Serie A last season, while Paqueta is a Brazil international who can be very dangerous in attack.

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old averaged 2.5 shots per league game in the previous campaign. In Lyon's squad, only Moussa Dembele (2.9) was taking more. He also completed 2.3 dribbles a match, a number only Tete (2.4) could better.

This term, Scamacca and Paqueta have obviously not been as successful. The former has just two goals in 13 top-flight outings so far, while the latter is yet to register at all.

However, they have only just joined the club; they need time to settle. It means West Ham supporters may not see the best of them until next season. Given the nature of this business, though, can Moyes afford to wait that long? Probably not.

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