Player Watch Player Watch - Lucas Moura
- Thread starter wirE
- Start date
I really like this idea. Which means it won't be implemented any time soon.
I think Moura's a talented player with a grab bag of strong attributes that don't clearly lend themselves to any one position -- at least not one that Poch has yet found. One of either Kane or Son is usually better at most things, but neither of them offers everything he does. I'd play him over anyone but Kane or Son at the moment - and I'd try to quash the notion that they're in direct competition in the first place! - and make better use of him as a sub for one of those two when a direct switch is needed.
The (occasionally reccurring) idea that Moura has ever been an either/or for Kane seems incorrect to me. He just doesn't have Kane's raw finishing prowess or accompanying pure 9 attributes (positioning etc.) at the same level. If he's to play as the actual main striker, it should only be as a super-sub or for necessary rotation. Of course, Moura to replace Kane upfront is not what the vast majority are arguing for anyway.
What I see as a major problem in the team right now is that when Spurs do have the ball in the final third, the front players are all playing like strikers. At the same time as Kane is being less selfish than ever before, his fellow forwards are being more so. This is only compacting the problem of lack of service to Kane, who, ultimately, is the player you'd choose, if you could, to put on the end of that one big chance to win a match.
Anything that reduces this three-striker mentality whenever, say, Kane, Moura and Son are sharing the pitch would be a good move. It may be as simple as clearly redefining a few roles - telling the others to always look for Kane in a good position first, which is what Kane is doing for them nowadays - without needing to actually switch out players. Too many cooks spoil the broth, especially when there isn't much for them to cook with and the head chef is often the highest percentage option for making good broth.
Especially outside of the Spurs fanbase, I do think Moura's CL hat-trick has convinced a lot of people that the club is stifling some incredible world class talent. The CL SF was a bit of an anomaly that just happened to be extremely high profile. Most people won't be watching Spurs often enough to realise that Moura hasn't yet put together a consistent run of really good performances. But he has shown enough, especially in sub appearances, to suggest that he should be given more time to develop a consistent portfolio that doesn't just depend on a handful of matches. And with so many players underperforming right now, there has to be a spot open for him somewhere.
Obviously he won't read this (or will he?
) but congrats to him on the new kid!
The (occasionally reccurring) idea that Moura has ever been an either/or for Kane seems incorrect to me. He just doesn't have Kane's raw finishing prowess or accompanying pure 9 attributes (positioning etc.) at the same level. If he's to play as the actual main striker, it should only be as a super-sub or for necessary rotation. Of course, Moura to replace Kane upfront is not what the vast majority are arguing for anyway.
What I see as a major problem in the team right now is that when Spurs do have the ball in the final third, the front players are all playing like strikers. At the same time as Kane is being less selfish than ever before, his fellow forwards are being more so. This is only compacting the problem of lack of service to Kane, who, ultimately, is the player you'd choose, if you could, to put on the end of that one big chance to win a match.
Anything that reduces this three-striker mentality whenever, say, Kane, Moura and Son are sharing the pitch would be a good move. It may be as simple as clearly redefining a few roles - telling the others to always look for Kane in a good position first, which is what Kane is doing for them nowadays - without needing to actually switch out players. Too many cooks spoil the broth, especially when there isn't much for them to cook with and the head chef is often the highest percentage option for making good broth.
Especially outside of the Spurs fanbase, I do think Moura's CL hat-trick has convinced a lot of people that the club is stifling some incredible world class talent. The CL SF was a bit of an anomaly that just happened to be extremely high profile. Most people won't be watching Spurs often enough to realise that Moura hasn't yet put together a consistent run of really good performances. But he has shown enough, especially in sub appearances, to suggest that he should be given more time to develop a consistent portfolio that doesn't just depend on a handful of matches. And with so many players underperforming right now, there has to be a spot open for him somewhere.
Obviously he won't read this (or will he?
) but congrats to him on the new kid!
TheVoiceofReason
Well-Known Member
- Feb 5, 2005
- 6,328
- 15,713
ToDarrenIsToDo
Well-Known Member
- Aug 22, 2017
- 1,665
- 6,291
Deep down I don't think anybody wants to see Poch sacked but it's rationale over emotions. We have the worst points tally of any team currently in the top flight this calendar year and it's what 5-6 weeks away from us seeing 2020?
It's a real dilemma. Clearly the board are and have been in a similar dilemma as he is still at the club despite a record never being as bad under ENIC (our last return as bad as this was under George Graham I believe)
longtimespur
Well-Known Member
- Sep 10, 2014
- 5,833
- 9,950
Can't get on the THFC site...…............…..
EQP
EQP
- Sep 1, 2013
- 8,000
- 29,786
I'm excited to see what Mourinho does to help Lucas regain his confidence. If there's one player I could excuse for being out of form and for looking like a shadow of himself, it's definitely Moura. Being overlooked for the final, after what he did against Ajax, was poor man management. Poch certainly didn't help things this season. By not giving him more chances to get back into form and helping him through his crisis in confidence, Lucas has looked frustrated whenever he's subbed in for the last 5 or 6 minutes of a game. I think Mourinho will zone in on that whole experience and re-energize him. We've seen flashes of what Moura can do and having more attacking threats on the field can only help us push up the table and hopefully win a trophy this season.
Northernspurs
Well-Known Member
- Dec 13, 2004
- 1,739
- 1,081
Completely agree.... can see him and son flanking Kane more effectively than under Poch
littlemandefoe
Conte's Blue and White Army!
- May 22, 2005
- 4,245
- 4,540
Wonder what Lloris said when he run past Tadic. Couldn't think of a sweeter moment if a player had been talking shit to you all game for that to go and happen. COYS
Love Moura but would hope that someone figures to how to eliminate that consistent 3rd or 4th heavy touch where he loses the ball. At the risk of repeating myself, he is able to put himself in dangerous positions that few if any spurs players can. And he has that incredible but inconsistent close ball control that led to threat incredible turnaround goal in the CL. If jose can help there, then he could be a worldie.
EQP
EQP
- Sep 1, 2013
- 8,000
- 29,786
We could really do some damage with with Son and Moura on the counter-attack with GLC, Ndombele or even Kane playing the ball out to them.
EQP
EQP
- Sep 1, 2013
- 8,000
- 29,786
Didn't play particularly well but the goal would've helped his overall confidence. He could've had a hattrick if he'd tucked in that header and if he hadn't scuffed that shot. All in all, Mou was pleased with him and even confirmed that Lucas's goal was worked in training.
richard_gleeson
Richg
- Jan 31, 2006
- 2,184
- 6,495
A few years ago Lucas was projected as one of the world's great talents. We've seen the potential (Ajax) and he can score goals. Mourinho can give him the confidence.
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,290
- 83,552
Would love to see Moura playing regularly. He works hard, gets goals and has such a good attitude.
DEFchenkOE
Well-Known Member
- Feb 13, 2006
- 10,527
- 8,052
Lucas may be a bit inconsistent but give him a run in the team and he will score 15 odd goals a season. I'm so glad that Mourinho has come in and straight away played him in a front 3 with Son and Kane. Hope he gives them some games together to try and gel.
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,290
- 83,552
West Ham left huge gaps in their defence and we were hitting on the counter. This is Moura's greatest strength.
Interested to see how he does when teams play more defensively against us.
