In recent matches, Lucas Moura has shone as the instigator of waves of fighting spirit that seem to oscillate through the Tottenham Hotspur squad; especially in recent matches, where the team have had to claw back points from losing positions.
The 27-year-old is a unique and undisputed talent within Mourinho’s team and his innovative dribbling ability sets him apart from his attacking teammates. However, the Brazilian often shines brightest when coming off the bench in order to salvage a result. But is Lucas better suited to be an impact sub, or should Mourinho continue to put faith in Lucas to give his all for the full 90 minutes?
When he starts, there seems to be a certain turning point of the match where Lucas jolts into action. Mourinho’s half-time talks are clearly being soaked in by Lucas, as he looks to have a much more positive mindset in the second period of recent games.
The Boxing Day fixture against Brighton was a notable example of this, as Lucas controlled the second half with the freedom to drift in and out of a more central role, looking to exploit space and encouraging his teammates to do the same.
Lucas clearly benefits from an observant pair of eyes from the sidelines, either being his own eyes or his manager’s. He usually knows exactly how he can impact a match after watching it unfold from the sidelines, but a word from an experienced manager such as Mourinho or Pochettino has the same effect.
Looking back to the Champions League semi-final against Ajax, Lucas got the hat-trick that sent Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final. The Brazilian has the ability to conjure up the spectacular but doesn’t seem to do it regularly like some of the league’s best.
Some players are just better suited to be an impact-sub, but Lucas shouldn’t fit into that criteria. He just needs to find a way to perform to the highest level on a consistent basis.