“He’s just a nightmare to play against” – Spurs defender praises team-mate

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen heaped the praise on Lucas Moura after the Brazilian’s two-goal display against Manchester United last night.

The winger hardly featured last season following his £25million switch from PSG in January, but after a full pre-season under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Moura showed the watching footballing public what a player Spurs have landed.

Vertonghen, who played alongside Toby Alderweireld at the heart of the defence at Old Trafford believes that now Moura is fully fit and understands Pochettino’s expectations of a high pressing style, we are now seeing the best of the player.

Moura is currently Tottenham’s top scorer in the Premier League with three goals in as many matches, one ahead of Harry Kane.

Vertonghen told the Evening Standard: “We play against him every day in training and he’s just a nightmare to play against.

“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.”