Read on Twitter
THREAD: Will #THFC start Lucas Moura over Steven Bergwijn this season?
This thread will focus on two key factors that could give Lucas the nod over Bergwijn.
This thread will focus on two key factors that could give Lucas the nod over Bergwijn.
(2/8) Ever noticed that whenever Lloris lumps a long ball, itâs to the right wing?
Thatâs because of Lucasâ aerial win %. He wins 40.7% of his duels (59th percentile if compared to forwards in Europeâs top 5 leagues), compared to Bergwijnâs 31.3% (27th percentile) (FBRef).
Thatâs because of Lucasâ aerial win %. He wins 40.7% of his duels (59th percentile if compared to forwards in Europeâs top 5 leagues), compared to Bergwijnâs 31.3% (27th percentile) (FBRef).
(3/8) Bergwijnâs a much better creator, but Lucas is a better presser. 5.35 successful pressures per 90 (65th percentile) compared to Bergwijnâs 4.02 (24th percentile).
That comes in handy if he loses an aerial duel or #THFC lose the ball.
That comes in handy if he loses an aerial duel or #THFC lose the ball.
(4/8) Iâll also note that Gio Lo Celso has averaged 6.12 successful pressures per 90 since the start of 18/19 (83rd percentile among top-5-lg AMs/wingers) & has the third highest successful pressures percentage among PL AMs/FWs this season.
But what do all these numbers matter?
But what do all these numbers matter?
(5/8) When #THFC play a pressing team or the opponent is chasing the game, we can invite pressure (Højbjerg/Ndombele both are creative threats) send a long ball to Lucas (#11 below), GLC wins the second ball (as he did often during the restart), & man, the possibilities...
(6/8) If GLC wins the second ball...
- Drive @ the CB, draw a CM tracking back, pass to Ndombele whoâs in a 1v1 & can create
- Pass to Kane, lay-off for Ndombele, who finds the RB bombing forward
- Pass to Kane, lay-off for Ndombele, finds Son for a run in behind or in 1v1
- Drive @ the CB, draw a CM tracking back, pass to Ndombele whoâs in a 1v1 & can create
- Pass to Kane, lay-off for Ndombele, who finds the RB bombing forward
- Pass to Kane, lay-off for Ndombele, finds Son for a run in behind or in 1v1
(7/8) Lose the ball? Play Lucas & GLC, & youâve got building blocks for an elite counterpressing unit.
One major issue with starting Lucas over Bergwijn: No wide creativity. That hinders our ability to break down low blocks & increases our chance of getting stuck in possession.
One major issue with starting Lucas over Bergwijn: No wide creativity. That hinders our ability to break down low blocks & increases our chance of getting stuck in possession.
(8/8) if Harry Kane werenât below average in aerial duels, thereâd be little reason to start Lucas & none if Bergwijn were better on the defensive end.
But Lucas exploits as a counterpress expert & Wide Target Man of sorts make sure Bergwijn starting over him isnât a formality.
But Lucas exploits as a counterpress expert & Wide Target Man of sorts make sure Bergwijn starting over him isnât a formality.
