Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte could mould Lucas Moura into a right wing-back this season, says Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson.
The Lowdown: Moura’s role
The 29-year-old has played a bit-part role for Spurs since Conte’s arrival at Hotspur Way in November, having come on off the bench for 14 of his 25 appearances under the Italian coach.
As a result, some have been calling for the Brazilian’s inclusion elsewhere on the pitch. As quoted by the Evening Standard, the 52-year-old has admitted that the winger would be a ‘good option’ in the wing-back position next season.
This follows Conte’s previous conversions of Ivan Perisic, Victor Moses and Antonio Candreva from attackers into wing-backs, indicating that he may try this again at Tottenham.
The Latest: Robinson’s claim
Robinson, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports, weighed in on Spurs’ full-back situation, adding his verdict on Moura’s suitability. Speaking with Football Insider, the former Lilywhites shot-stopper claimed:
“Conte has done it before with Perisic and Moses.
“He is renowned for making wingers into wing-backs so that they fit into the system that he wants to play.
“Lucas Moura is a player that I really like. He would be able to do that role. You see how fit he is and you can see the engine he has on him. He is more than capable of playing in a right wing-back role.
“I don’t think he is going to be the first choice there but he does give the manager another option.”
The Verdict: Good idea
Whilst Moura is a great option going forward, demonstrated by his 38 goals and 27 assists for the North London club, he may also have the attributes to excel in Conte’s highly-demanding role.
Spurs legend Ledley King thinks the Brazilian is ‘one of the best’ in the air when it comes to short players due to his ‘unbelievable spring’.
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However, with the arrival of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, this option may not be a priority on the manager’s to-do list, although it is certainly a possibility for the future.
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