According to statistics database WhoScored.com, Tottenham forward Lucas Moura boasts a higher aerial success rate than a host of the best central defenders in the Premier League.
The Brazilian has featured in six of Tottenham’s seven games in the division but has yet to tally a goal or assist for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Although he has his shortcomings going forward at times, Moura has typically won over fans due to his immense work rate both with and without the ball, as well as defensively immersing himself in duels both on the ground and in the air.
Despite standing at just five feet and eight inches tall, his spring leap has allowed him to contest for balls in the air when he really should not be able to challenge.
WhoScored.com have revealed that Moura holds a 69.4% success rate for aerial duels in the Premier League, which is actually better than a host of the division’s household names at centre-back.
For context and comparability, the database made sure to confirm that the 29-year-old has contested 36 aerial duels in total so far, which stands as the 17th most in the league.
The percentage is better than the likes of Manchester United defender Raphael Varane and Everton’s Michael Keane – both with 66.7% – and the 65% value set by Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
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Moura’s figure is also higher than Burnley’s Ben Mee (61.5%) and Ruben Dias of Manchester City (60.9%), who was named the Premier League’s Player of the Season during his side’s title-winning campaign in 2020/21.
Spurs Web Opinion
Moura has always been impressive in the air despite his short height compared to other players, so this statistic isn’t too surprising. He has been involved in a lot of aerial duels so far as an attacker, which makes this statistic all the more impressive.
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