Why Mauricio Pochettino has done a brilliant job at extracting the best out of Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura has become an unlikely hero for Tottenham Hotspur. He scored twice as Mauricio Pochettino registered his first win at Old Trafford. The 3-0 win was Tottenham’s third away win against Manchester United in 27 attempts so far. In fact, the Londoners have become only the fourth team after Liverpool, Watford and Chelsea to enjoy a 100% start to the season, winning all their three opening games.
The Brazilian has seen a change of fortunes since his £25million move from Paris Saint-Germain in January. As per a report by The Metro, the 26-year-old recently slammed Arsenal manager Unai Emery, his then manager at PSG. He claimed that he endured the worst seven months of his career under Emery. Despite joining the club in 2013, Moura was restricted to six substitute appearances following the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
Having enjoyed a full pre-season with Spurs, who failed to make any signings this summer, Lucas Moura has hit the ground running. He has already scored three goals in three games in what has been an electrifying start to the season.
Last season, the Brazilian only featured in 11 games for Pochettino’s side, scoring once against Rochdale in the FA Cup in February. However, he enjoyed an impressive pre-season and looks set to build on it.
The versatile Moura can play as a right-winger, a central attacking midfielder, a secondary striker and a left-winger. In a midfield where he faces competition from Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Son Heung-min, Erik Lamela, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko, Moura has worked wonders. The 26-year-old has certainly improved the physical aspect of his game, making him a well-rounded player under Pochettino.
In Moura, the Lilywhites have a great winger. He is quick, mobile, creative, powerful and technically gifted. The Sao Paulo native can accelerate quickly with agility and has blistering pace on the ball. Excellent at dribbling, crossing, holding onto the ball and taking set-pieces, Moura is a dangerous offensive threat on any given day. He ran circles around Manchester United’s defenders on Monday night.
This summer, Spurs became the first club to fail to make a signing since the introduction of the summer transfer window in 2003. Add to it the suspense brought by Son’s looming military service, and things did look hopelessly bleak for the club.
However, Moura has played an increasingly vital role for Tottenham Hotspur and he should continue to thrive and blossom further under Pochettino’s guidance.
