New Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura described himself as ‘so, so happy’ after scoring his first goal for the club in the FA Cup against Rochdale.
On his maiden start for the North Londoners, the Brazil international lifted the ball over goalkeeper Josh Lillis to equalise in the second half following Ian Henderson’s opener for the League One outfit.
Harry Kane struck from the penalty spot late on to seemingly give Spurs the win, but substitute Steve Davies netted in the dying embers of the game to force a replay.
Lucas told Spurs TV after the match that he was pleased despite the final score, particularly given his lack of game time this season.
Cast out of first-team affairs at Paris Saint-Germain following the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe last summer, Lucas showed his quality in tough conditions at the Crown Oil Arena.
Always willing to run with the ball, the 25-year-old also demonstrated great appetite against a Dale side who battled hard to earn their replay.
The former Sao Paulo academy graduate started on the right and was moved to the left in a tactical switch-up by manager Mauricio Pochettino at the break, before scoring with a burst through the centre of the park on 59 minutes.
His versatility gives the squad increased flexibility in attack but perhaps the most important thing to come out of this fixture will be the confidence that he gains.
Lucas had not played for PSG since a brief cameo in a cup tie back in December and had less than 90 minutes of competitive football to his name this season.
If he had endured a slow start to life in England then questions would inevitably have been raised, but instead he looks hungry to prove himself after a challenging six months or so in France.
Undoubtedly talented, the major criticism of Lucas over his career to date has been a lack of consistency but Spurs look set to give him the platform he needs to showcase his abilities regularly on the biggest stages.
He brings pace and width to the ranks and, as the season enters its final stretch, could prove to be a shrewd capture.
Right- very impressive start for Moura. Still can’t believe we got him! Can’t wait till he gets stuck into the PL.