Antonio Conte has heaped praise on Lucas Moura and admitted the Brazilian’s attitude makes him a pleasure to work with.
Moura came back into the starting eleven for Tottenham’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against West Ham on Wednesday after being benched for the 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
The Brazilian scored Tottenham’s match-winner as the home side edged out the Hammers 2-1 to book a place in the semi-final.
His strike on Wednesday was the former PSG forward’s third goal under the new regime, and he produced another typically energetic performance on and off the ball.
Conte was asked about how much Moura has improved since he arrived at the club and the Spurs boss insisted he is determined to help every single player in the squad get better but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
The 52-year-old also admitted that he enjoys working with players like Moura who always have a positive attitude.
Conte told Football.Ḷondon: “We have only one way to improve our performance and especially improve the level of Tottenham. There is only one way and we have to try to improve every single player physically, tactically and technically.
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“Only in this way, we can try to be competitive and then you know you can reach one level. Sometimes you need to improve the quality also. We’re working well. Many players we’re working with I’m seeing a big improvement.
“For sure I’d like to see more personality when we have the ball, especially in the moment we’re suffering, but we’re going step by step and I know I can’t ask all of this in two months.
“But I’m sure for this reason I’m asking patience and I’m asking for time. We need to improve if we want to try to be competitive.”
“As for Lucas Moura, Lucas is one of the best players in our squad. He has great quality and links quality also with quantity.
“Then he’s a wonderful person because you can find him always with a smile I like to work with him and these type of players.”
Spurs Web Opinion
A lot of modern-day fans tend to focus on players’ deficiencies rather than the attributes they bring to the side. Moura certainly has weaknesses, particularly when it comes to his decision making in the final third.
However, the Brazilian is undoubtedly a top-class player and a nightmare to play against. Not only is he direct and brave on the ball but he hassles and hurries opponents off it. The 29-year-old also seems to genuinely love the club. It is clear why he would be a manager’s dream to work with.
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