‘Far more dangerous’: Jermaine Jenas claims Tottenham look much better with £23m player on the pitch

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Jermaine Jenas claimed on BT Sport last night that Tottenham Hotspur look a much better side with Lucas Moura on the pitch.

The £23 million man returned to Antonio Conte’s starting XI last night after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Brazilian had been ruled out ever since Spurs’ second game of the season against Chelsea back in August.

In the absence of Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, Moura was given the nod against Sporting Lisbon and he impressed Jenas.

Jenas claims Tottenham look better with Moura

Just before 15 minutes had been played in north London last night, Moura nearly got on the scoresheet after Harry Kane played him through on goal.

But the Sporting goalkeeper Antonio Adan rushed off his line to deny the 30-year-old.

Just after Spurs went close through the Brazilian, Jenas claimed Conte’s side looked more of a threat going forward with him in the side.

“Lucas Moura’s definitely offered that something Spurs have been missing, those runs in behind,” Jenas said while co-commentating on BT Sport.

“[They] look far more dangerous with him in the side.”

Moura certainly produced some bright moments for Spurs last night but struggled to make any significant impact in the final third.

Later on in the game, it seems Jenas may have changed his mind slightly as he slammed Moura for wasting a decent crossing position.

He said: “Really poor that from Lucas. It was on a plate for him to whip the ball across but he can’t even beat the first man.

“He’s going to be slightly rusty, not been out there for a while. It would not surprise me to see Bryan Gil take his place.”

The former PSG man is a brilliant ball-carrier and is capable of taking opposition players out of the game with his direct running. But he lacks real quality in-front of goal and his first touch often lets him down.

There’s no doubt that Moura is a useful squad player for Conte but Spurs look a far better outfit with Kulusevski or Richarlison in the side.

Bryan Gil also came on as a substitute last night and arguably had a greater impact on the game in just 20 minutes.

If Conte sticks with the 3-4-3 system on Saturday against Bournemouth, he will have a big decision to make between Gil and Moura for a place on the right-hand side.