---
title: "Tottenham Hotspur: Noel Whelan makes Lucas Moura freeze out claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-hotspur-noel-whelan-makes-lucas-moura-freeze-out-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Tottenham Hotspur News"
published: "2022-03-02T15:40:35Z"
modified: "2022-03-02T15:40:35Z"
---

# Tottenham Hotspur: Noel Whelan makes Lucas Moura freeze out claim

**Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/tottenham-transfer-news-lucas-moura-could-now-be-frozen-out-after-major-development-pundit/), pundit Noel Whelan, formerly of [BBC Radio Leeds](https://icdb.tv/stats/4247/Noel-Whelan), has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur star Lucas Moura.**

### The Lowdown: Kulusevski shines against Leeds…

Tottenham’s winter window signing Dejan Kulusevski’s most recent Premier League in their [4-0 win at Elland Road](https://www.sofascore.com/leeds-united-tottenham/IsJ) certainly turned many heads in what was a dazzling display.

[Tottenham latest developments!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/)

The Sweden international, finishing that match as one of Spurs’ best performers ([SofaScore](https://www.sofascore.com/leeds-united-tottenham/IsJ)), netted a fine near-post finish past Ilan Meslier, found 91% of his passes and completed 80% of his take-ons.

Such a display, according to Whelan, could even freeze out Lucas – despite the Brazilian being a top performer under Antonio Conte before his recent injury problem.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”383375″\]

### The Latest: Whelan makes Lucas claim…

The former Whites striker, speaking to [FI](https://www.footballinsider247.com/tottenham-transfer-news-lucas-moura-could-now-be-frozen-out-after-major-development-pundit/), believes Lucas could face a fight to get back in amid Kulusevski’s form and the increased competition for places.

When asked if the 29-year-old could now be frozen out by Conte, he explained:

*“Absolutely*, *100 per cent.*

“*When you’re scoring, creating assists, and playing as well as Kulusevski is – you become very difficult to drop.*

*“That competition for places is really hotting up for Tottenham, especially in midfield and at wing-back. The manager now has the depth he needs to make changes that will allow them to win games.*

*“Lucas Moura might well be on the bench for a while – but what a player to turn to if they ever need some inspiration in a tough game.*

*“Conte has some real options and there’s no doubt that Kulusevski has been a great addition for Tottenham. He’s looking like a brilliant signing.”*

### The Verdict: Disagree…

Going by Lucas’ brilliant numbers and just how crucial he has been for Conte, we believe he should walk right back into Tottenham’s side upon returning.

According to [WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/30/Show/England-Tottenham), only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Son Heung-min and Harry Kane have a averaged higher over-all Premier League match rating than the South American this term.

As well as this, Lucas towers over all of his teammates in terms of successful take-ons – completing a brilliant [2.1 dribbles per 90](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/30/Show/England-Tottenham) over 2021/2022, adding a directness the side lacks without him.

Lauded as a ‘[monster’](https://www.google.com/amp/s/tbrfootball.com/raphinha-sends-message-to-spurs-star-lucas-moura-on-instagram/%3Famp) player by Leeds star Raphinha, it will take some superb displays from Kulusevski to leave him out in the cold.

***In other news: Conte green-lights move for new top target as Spurs hierarchy pressured to strike agreement, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tottenham-transfer-rumours/tottenham-hotspur-antonio-conte-daily-star-lille-sven-botman-update-latest-thfc-transfer-news/)***