Moura The Merrier

Lucas Moura has been involved in some big games throughout his career – but he’s already well aware that the magnitude and scale of this afternoon’s north London derby will be right up there with the best of them.

- Jon Rayner

And should he get the opportunity to make his Spurs debut here at Wembley Stadium today, he says he can’t wait to show our supporters and the people who brought him to the club just what he is capable of.

The Brazilian international signed for us on the last day of the January transfer window from Paris St Germain, swapping the French capital for London with our progression over the last few years one of the major determining factors in his decision.

He’s barely had a chance to settle into his new surroundings but could be about to make his first appearance in our colours in the biggest league game in our fixture calendar.

But Lucas is no stranger to the big occasion, having played in numerous French ‘classico’ matches for PSG against Marseille, Lyon and Monaco while during his time in Brazil with Sao Paulo, local derby games against the likes of Palmeiras, Corinthians and Santos were a regular feature of his season. Of course, he’s also played Champions League and Copa Sudamericana football with his two previous clubs, as well as winning 30 caps for Brazil.

Today’s game will certainly be a new experience for him though. The first-ever north London derby league clash to be staged at Wembley could be played out in front of a record attendance for English football and promises to be a mouth-watering occasion. There’s also the highly significant matter of three very important points to play for, as well as the added bonus of local bragging rights for the winners. It’s fair to say, Lucas can’t wait.

“I know that this game against Arsenal is always a big game, a very important game for Spurs, and one that all the players like to play in, so I’m really looking forward to it,” explained the attacking midfielder.