Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino hailed hat-trick hero Lucas Moura after last night's Champions League win at Ajax.

Lucas, who is the club's most recent signing having joined from Paris Saint-Germain last January, shouldered the burden of replacing both Harry Kane and Heung-min Son in the first leg and could not deliver.

"I think scoring three goals, a hat-trick, if the other players are superheroes, he's a super, super, super hero," Pochettino said.

"He was amazing, he was very clinical in front of the goal. Yes I think a fantastic night, a magical night for him. He is so important.

"I think Lucas Moura when he arrived was a difficult moment.

"Always we pushed him to be better and of course it was a tough period for him but we always believed in him. Always respected him and look today.

"You can have some players who can win some games but to be in the Champions League final you need 24 or 25 and the relationship must always be honest with everyone. In some moments when you need them they need to give their best."