Why Lucas Moura Will Be Key Man for PSG in Lacklustre Ligue 1 Title Defence

No matter who you are, signing for a club, surrounded by constant media attention, for €45 million, is always going to bring an extra level of pressure. Lucas Moura made his Paris Saint-Germain debut when he was just 20 years old, but already much was expected from the young Brazilian. Two years on, and with the Parisians trying to fight their way back into the Ligue 1 title race, Lucas—who has blossomed this season—will be the key factor in saving PSG’s lack-lustre title defence.

On his arrival, Lucas was instantly eye-catching and impressive. The Brazilian winger danced past opponents, weaving and jinking around defenders to the delight of the Parc des Princes crowd.

It was very clear early on that Lucas had the ability to become a world-class talent, but after being allowed the first season to settle, new boss Laurent Blanc expected more of his forward.

PSG had just beaten rivals Marseille 2-0 in Le Classique at the Parc des Princes, with Lucas Moura nearly scoring one of the goals of the season. Storming through the centre of the OM midfield, he raced through on goal after beating a number of opponents, only to see his shot cleared off the line. It could have been a watershed moment for the Brazilian.

After the game, Blanc, via Goal.com, both praised and criticised his young winger in the same breath.

"It would've been a goal we would've talked about for a long time," said the former France boss, "But he did not score, even if he played a good game. Lucas must understand that an attacker must score goals. He is still young but he is at a big club and he must progress quickly."

Statistics from WhoScored show that Lucas finished that season with four goals and 11 assists in both the league and Champions League. The challenge was to progress again this season.

During the summer, the young winger was disappointed not to be part of Brazil’s World Cup squad, but it may go on to be the best thing that could have happened.

With Ezequiel Lavezzi reaching the final, the late return of Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi and Edinson Cavani, Lucas was an undisputed starter at the beginning of the campaign, and he hasn’t looked back since. In 18 starts, he has scored seven goals and contributed two assists. That puts him just two goals behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and only one behind Cavani. The two assists can be attributed to the drop in goals coming from his attacking partners, but it certainly can’t be blamed on the Brazilian.

Cavani played mostly on the right last season, but that has become Lucas' position this term, although he is capable of playing all over the front three. Even when Zlatan was out with his heel injury, Lucas blossomed more with his ability to cause problems with his pace through the centre.

His ability to change direction at will makes him a danger all over the pitch. It often feels now that he is wasted pushed out on the wing, and could develop into a creative No.10, with pace to burn when he drifts wide.

Ibrahimovic is not the force he once was, injuries will take their toll. This has impacted Cavani’s form and he’s not quite found the same stride he discovered last season. If PSG are to mount a title challenge this season, if they are to kick into a higher gear and begin to dominate their domestic rivals, it won’t be the Swede or the Uruguayan that Blanc begins to rely on, it should be the young 22-year-old shoulders of Lucas Moura.

After Lucas scored in the 3-0 Coupe de France win over Montpellier, the little Brazilian, via Goal.com, confirmed that his period of learning was over, and it’s time to step up.

"We must play like this more often and give everything together. It's good for the confidence of having scored the third goal. My adaptation period is over now. I am very happy to be in Paris. If we continue to play like that, we can go very far."

Mature words for someone that is still so young, but he is starting to back up the words with performances and he is going to be crucial if PSG want to win their third straight Ligue 1 crown this season.