Jose Mourinho highlighted the impact Lucas Moura made against West Brom, describing the Brazilian as the perfect team player.
Lucas returned to the Spurs XI in north London for the first time since October 26 as the Baggies were comfortably beaten 2-0 via goals from Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
But while Spurs striking duo were the obvious reference point for where the foundations of victory lay, Mourinho believes the selflessness of Lucas was a major factor.
The 28-year-old was part of the attacking midfield three behind Kane, alongside Son and Lamela, but was constantly drifting across the park, knitting the play and making space for others.
“He was fantastic; he was not a No10, he was not a winger, not a striker, he was everything,” Mourinho told the BBC, with Lucas setting up Son for the crucial second goal.
“He was very good defensively; pressing high, recovering balls, trying individual things, making movements when Lamela was coming for the ball - he was fantastic.
“I’m very pleased for him because Lucas is a team player; the player who plays, bench, starting line-up, doesn’t play … but he’s always the same Lucas. Teams, they need players like him.”
Indeed, the Tottenham manager claims Lucas’ attitude when he came on for Spurs during their 1-0 defeat against Chelsea three days previously, helped convince him this was the game to start him in.
Lucas and Lamela were a double substitution made by Mourinho in the 69 th minute against Chelsea and although couldn’t impact the result, he was impressed by their attitude and application.
“I learned even before they came onto the pitch, because I was with them on the touchline and the way they were speaking to each other and motivating each other,” Mourinho added.
“The way they were saying, ‘the team needs us and we have to do a job to lift the team’. That told me a lot.
“I brought them to the game, knowing that’s what they meant in terms of that spirit.”
