Lucas Moura has insisted that he is happy to play in any position on the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur if it means it is for the greater good of the team.
Spurs head coach Antonio Conte decided to start the Brazilian in the unfamiliar role of right wing-back against Sevilla in Suwon on Saturday, with the player insisting that he is prepared to put the team first.
Conte did the same in the match against Team K League as well, which could suggest that the boss may have plans for Moura in that position. The Italian is known for converting wingers to wing-backs in his previous roles, with Ivan Perisic at Inter Milan and Victor Moses at Chelsea being some of the examples.
In fact, it was claimed back in January that Conte wanted Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore as a right wing-back (The Times) which fits with what he has done with Moura right now. The former PSG man impressed both in attack and with his defensive responsibilities against the Spanish opposition.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Sevilla, Moura told The Athletic: “He was very clear in every conversation. He said I am important for him. It’s good to know. I always talk to him about what he wants from me. What he expects from me. I am ready to give my best for the team, for him.”
“It doesn’t matter the position on the pitch. I am here to help this squad. I always said this. I’m a team player. I will work for the team. I will do my best for the team. That’s it, that’s my mind.”
Conte also assessed the Brazilian winger’s performance in his new role and deemed that Moura had “a good game”.and also revealed that the 29-year-old would be “a good option” for him in that position.
Our View
It is understandable to an extent why Conte used Moura as a wing-back, considering how Emerson Royal is likely to leave Tottenham after only joining last summer. Emerson has struggled to express himself to the full extent as questions over his crossing ability and decision-making were a constant sight during that period.
Emerson’s impending departure could have forced Conte’s hands to try out other options to meet his needs in the wide areas. Matt Doherty has certainly impressed with flying colours before he suffered an untimely injury. However, Doherty would still be expected to stay beyond this summer.
In any case, we may not see Moura being used as a wing-back now that Djed Spence is in line to join us shortly. Spence would be a great option to back up Doherty in that area which could help the former PSG man to return to his primary role.
That would be in our best interests as Dejan Kulusevski would need backup in the right-wing role. Then again, Conte would always have Moura as an option if he thinks that Spence still needs time to adapt to the raised challenge of being played regularly in the Premier League.
