App exclusive - Lucas relishing getting stuck in

Lucas Moura lives off the sensation of scoring goals, yet the forward admits even defensive duties give him a thrill.

A bundle of energy for us up and down the wing, Lucas describes the moment of scoring a goal as ‘an explosion of feelings’ and, without a doubt, he has certainly enjoyed some unforgettable goalscoring moments for us so far - no less his exploits in Amsterdam in 2019.

However, as we spoke to the Brazilian ahead of another crucial Europa League group stage clash this evening, as we welcome Ludogorets to north London, he confessed that even being able to put in a crucial tackle to help out his team-mates puts a smile on his face.

Last time out against the Bulgarian outfit, we came away with all three points in a 3-1 win, but we were made to battle on our visit to Razgrad. Lucas, who was on target in that encounter, is expecting another tough fight against the Eagles in N17 tonight (8pm kick-off) – and it’s a bout he is relishing.

“I always say that for me, the most important things are the team and to win the games. Of course, I want to score goals and to give assists, but if I give my best, if I can use my skills to dribble or recover one ball and help my team-mates in the defence, I am happy,” Lucas explained. “Even if I don’t score or give an assist – and I know they are important for the statistics - for me, the most important thing is to help the team win.

“That’s why we work so hard during the week and prepare for these games. The matches are so intense, and you need to be ready. So, we need to be ready for tonight, to give everything for each other and do our best. When I am on the pitch, I try to help the team to score, but if I need to help the team to defend or to sprint to get back, I will try my best. I will tackle, I will defend. Everything I can do to help the team, I will do.”