Staggering stats behind Macclesfield defender Luis Lacey’s FA Cup display vs Brentford, move to the Premier League awaits
Macclesfield left-back Luis Lacey put in a monstrous display against Premier League side Brentford in the FA Cup on Monday.
The Bees ultimately progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup after winning 1-0 courtesy of Sam Heathcote’s own goal.
But it was another spirited display from the sixth-tier side, who made history by knocking out Crystal Palace in the previous round.
Lacey, the brother of Man United youngster Shea Lacey, also impressed against the Eagles in January.
But the 21-year-old’s performance on Monday would have had clubs up and down the football pyramid paying attention.
Luis Lacey’s brilliant stat line vs Brentford
Lacey, 21, was in the Barnsley academy before joining Tranmere Rovers in 2023. There, he went on consecutive loans to Welsh side Flint Town before becoming a free agent in 2024.
After almost a year with sixth-tier side Curzon Ashton, the defender again left on a free transfer and signed for Macclesfield in August.
| Luis Lacey | vs Brentford |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Chances created | 1 |
| Successful dribbles | 5/5 |
| Tackles | 5 |
| Clearances | 8 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Fouled | 3 |
| Duels won | 16/21 |
This season, the Liverpool-born talent has been largely ever-present in the National League North, in which Macclesfield sit seventh, and has featured in all four rounds of the FA Cup.
But after his display against Brentford at Leasing.com Stadium on Monday night, it will not be long before Lacey is playing in the football league.
The 21-year-old was up against Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson and Scotland international Aaron Hickey, but you would not have known it.
The defender made five tackles, drew three fouls and won a mammoth 16 duels – more than anyone else on the pitch in all three metrics.
And that was not all. Lacey made eight clearances, six recoveries, created a chance, completed an astonishing five successful dribbles and completed both of his crosses into the box.
Fans react to Lacey’s performance
Those watching Monday’s clash were stunned by the performance of Lacey, with several Premier League fans expressing how impressed they were.
They took to social media after the game to praise the defender, and one fan wrote: “Luis Lacey for Macclesfield has had a great game there”.
Another wrote that Lacey was “absolutely insane”, and X user Chris wrote: “Safe to say Luis Lacey more than shown his capabilities against a Premier League side for the second time”.
With several teams looking on, it will surely not be long before the defender is signing professional terms elsewhere.