Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has said Lucas Moura will be “a nightmare” for Premier League defenders to deal with this season following the Brazilian’s explosive display against Manchester United on Monday night.
Moura scored twice, adding to Harry Kane’s opener, as Spurs sealed their first victory at Old Trafford since Mauricio Pochettino took charge in the summer of 2014.
A January arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, Moura struggled to break into Pochettino’s plans last season. But Heung-Min Son’s absence – the South Korean is away at the Asian Games – has given Moura the chance to earn a place in the team this term.
The Brazilian has taken that opportunity with both hands, scoring three goals in his last two appearances. And Vertonghen, who was also excellent at Old Trafford, has lavished praise on Moura for the start he has made to the season.
“He is a nightmare to play against,” Vertonghen said after the win at Old Trafford (via the London Evening Standard).
“We play against him every day in training and he’s just a nightmare. He works hard, he has goals in him — left foot, right foot — and so much pace. He’s a great player and an even better guy, so everyone is very happy.
“Obviously, he missed pre-season last year and that’s very important to understand the style of play and having the fitness to cope with what the attackers have to do because they run so much.
“He had a great pre-season this time from what I’ve heard. He’s an unbelievable guy, everyone in the dressing room is so happy for him. I think you could see that. Everyone was hugging him.
“He had a couple of tough years in Paris and last year he didn’t play as much as he wanted. This year, he’s here and he’s an unbelievable player.”
Moura is almost guaranteed to start when Tottenham take on Watford this weekend at Vicarage Road, where Pochettino’s men will be aiming to make it four wins out of four in the Premier League.
This I will guarantee-Lucas will severely embarass at least two defenders this season by intercepting pass backs to keepers. So much pace and anticipation.