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Is Lucas Moura hard done by at Tottenham Hotspur?

By Gary Pearson

PIRAEUS, GREECE - SEPTEMBER 18: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Olympiacos FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Karaiskakis Stadium on September 18, 2019 in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PIRAEUS, GREECE - SEPTEMBER 18: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Olympiacos FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Karaiskakis Stadium on September 18, 2019 in Piraeus, Greece. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Lucas Moura has started only three of Tottenham’s 10 Premier League matches, begging the question as to whether the Brazilian is under utilized. 

We all know what the electric Brazilian is capable of.

If you need reminding, you’re probably not a real Tottenham Hotspur supporter. The diminutive South American progressed slowly in his first season in north London, mostly appearing in Carabao Cup matches and as a bit part player in the top flight.

He enjoyed his breakout performance in the Premier League on Saturday, April 13 when he bagged a dazzling hat trick against lowly Huddesrfield. That performance was a precursor for things to come. Moura showcased his terrier-like, rousing credentials against Ajax on Europe’s biggest stage.

A magnificent campaign, Moura scored five goals in eight Champions League starts, capped off by one epic night in Holland.

After being controversially benched in the Champions League Final, the hero of the Miracle in Amsterdam has barely gotten a sniff this season. Moura finished the 2018-19 Premier League with 10 goals in 25 starts.

So does he deserve a play a bigger role at Tottenham? Unequivocally, yes.

Moura needs more time in the first team to find rhythm, gain confidence and feel like he is integral to Tottenham proceedings. Regularly coming on as a sub doesn’t do his potential justice. Now it’s not as easy as simply saying he should start, especially knowing he’s never been one of the gaffer’s favourites.

So who does he start in place of?

Erik Lamela is out of contention for tomorrow’s match with a hamstring injury, offering a perfect opportunity for Moura to start. But he shouldn’t need players to pick up injuries or fall from grace to get a regular spot on the first team.

Dele Alli has shown signs of improvement after a long injury layoff, but he is still nowhere near reaching his full capacity. While Dele needs time to find his former form, it’s incumbent upon Mauricio Pochettino to find a way to get Moura in the side. And if that means never again starting Christian Eriksen, so be it.

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Moura must play. His speed, craft and desire offers Tottenham something different going forward, which has been clearly lacking in the side’s current offensive setup.

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