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Analysis - Natalie Gedra, ESPN Brasil, talks Lucas

Thu 11 October 2018, 15:57|Tottenham Hotspur

Lucas Moura has quickly become a favourite at Spurs thanks to his electric displays and infectious personality - but how is he thought of in Brazil?

His performances this season have certainly caught the eye.

Lucas became only the fourth Brazilian to win the Premier League's EA SPORTS Player of the Month in August - the highlight, two goals in our 3-0 win against United at Old Trafford - and they've caught the eye of national coach Tite, who has called him back into the Selecao for the first time since the summer of 2016 for friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Argentina.

We turned to London-based journalist Natalie Gedra of ESPN Brasil who explained that Lucas' recall has very much been welcomed back home.

Lucas trains with Brazil at Hotspur Way this week.

Natalie Gedra, ESPN Brasil

"Lucas left Brazil to go to France in the very early stages of his career. He was successful in Brazil and is very much loved by fans in Sao Paulo, his club in Brazil.

"He spent five years in France but people don’t really see much of Ligue 1 in Brazil and therefore kind of lost sight of him for a while, even though he did really well for PSG.

"People really like Lucas. He plays an attractive style of football, he accelerates the pace of the team, he’s very creative, very offensive, very intense. Brazilians, in general, like that.

Lucas celebrates his second goal as we beat United 3-0 at Old Trafford in August.

"I actually had a few Brazilians asking me why Lucas wasn’t called up before now because he’s doing so well at Spurs in the Premier League.

"With that in mind, I had some expectation to see him in this latest squad so when the squad was first announced, I thought perhaps Lucas could have been in there (he wasn't in the initial squad)...but then Everton (Soares of Gremio) had an injury and he was called up.

Lucas with his EA SPORTS Player of the Month award for August.

"People in Brazil are definitely talking about Lucas again. The Premier League is very popular with high TV ratings and people enjoy it. Lucas is very popular and people are watching him closely again.

"Lucas is part of a very talented generation (Neymar, Oscar, Danilo, Alex Sandro were all part of his Under-23 age group) and there were always high expectations because we know how talented he is.

"It’s really nice to see him back in the national squad."

Lucas Moura shares his delight after being recalled to the Brazil squad - and training with the Seleção at Hotspur Way!