Going by reports, Lucas Moura has edged closer to a Tottenham Hotspur move. The Brazilian has arrived at Tottenham’s Hotspur Way training ground to undergo a medical and finalise his proposed £25m move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lucas has found very limited opportunities at Parc des Princes following the big-money arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at the start of the season.
After joining Paris Saint-Germain from Sao Paulo in 2012, it was believed that Lucas had the world at his feet. This is his 6th season with PSG and many believe that the player hasn’t kicked on yet, while there are people who dub him as “Brazilian Walcott”.
True, as it sounds. Theo Walcott joined Arsenal in 2006 as a promising 17-year-old forward, expected to be England’s next big thing. Walcott did start well but a combination of injuries and poor form meant Walcott failed to take his game to the next level. And after 12 long years at Arsenal, he left the club this month to join Everton, having won nothing except the FA Cup.
The same way, Lucas also arrived at PSG with a lot of fanfare. He was considered as one of the brightest talents in his native, and although he has displayed his talent at the French Capital, the player has often been accused of being inconsistent and failing to step up.
There have been moments of brilliance, glimpses of genius, but if we assess the 25-year-old’s time in the French capital, it has to be tagged as a disappointment.
Of course, there is no doubt in Lucas’ talent and his ability to give the defenders a run for their money. Also, his taste of scoring goals bodes well as he bagged 18 goals in all competitions last season. So what’s the problem with the Brazilian?
To be honest, the winger needs ample opportunities to excel, which he often failed to get at PSG. Despite that, he has performed really well for them over the past few years but will come to Spurs as a player who hasn’t peaked yet.
That’s where Mauricio Pochettino’s job starts. The Spurs manager has a healthy track record of grooming the youngsters, promoting academy starlets and putting faith on players who are short of confidence. Lucas needs exactly that. A player short of confidence and game time needs a manager to provide him opportunities by trusting his abilities. But what would he offer to Spurs?
Lucas is a quick and direct winger who is very good at taking on defenders on either flank. He has excellent ball control, is composed and capable of producing belters. Rather than only playing as an out-and-out winger, the Brazilian could also be used as a ‘false 9’ to very good effect.
The current Spurs attack lacks pace and Lucas would instantly bring that. His pace is something that the club are desperately in need of as Poch’s talented side have often failed to break down tightest of defences.
At 25 when players bloom, Lucas is yet to reach his true potential. At Spurs, he would get a manager in Pochettino, ready to go to any extent in turning him into a player everyone wishes him to become. He is by no means the final product and if there is anyone who can make Lucas take his game to the next level, I think it’s Poch.
Our manager would make sure the talented attacker shows all his qualities and hopefully lives his dream of playing for Brazil in this summer’s World Cup. Lucas, without any doubt, would be a great addition to our squad.
