What to do with him? I'm someone that has long supported Lucas as one of Liverpools better yet underrated players. He suffered initially and then despite improved performances continued to suffer due to simply not being Xabi Alonso.
I happen to think he brings a lot to the team in the 3-4-3 formation that cannot be gained from other players. He didnt fit quite so well in the 4-4-2 diamond replacing Gerrard as it was Gerrards long passing that worked so well for it. That said in the 3-4-3 the team has developed a different style of play and despite what plenty say I actually think Lucas is as good as anyone when it comes to shorter, yet effective, passes. He can slip a pass between players, and almost always plays his passes ahead of the intended target encouraging offensive play.
Another thing he brings to the side, which is essential when playing with three central defenders, is intelligent defensive play. Gerrard is not a natural fit in the holding role and often the game passes him by when the opposition attack, Lucas on the other hand plays the role more naturally and covers the full back area or midfield runner.
I think he's been underused this season and when I have seen him play he has quietly yet effectively gone about playing the holding role. It is my undetrstanding that earlier in the season he was told he could find a new club. I think now that would be a mistake, especially with Gerrard now leaving at the end of the season. I dont think we have central midfielder that is better equiped to play in the 3-4-3 formation. He isnt flashy and doesnt grab the headlines but he has been an important part of the recent mini revival of results and performances, and we'd be silly to let him go now.
Lucas?
posted on 6/1/15
Lucas is not really a DM is he? He is all over pitch breaking play, recycling the ball, pass and move. This is something that Song does but also has the ability in the final 3rd with the extra pace and power.
Lucas is more disciplined defensively than Gerrard but overall we need someone that is better.
posted on 6/1/15
Why would we need a defensive midfielder when we are playing 3 central defencers?
If we continue with 3-4-2-1 formation then Henderson & Can should be starting in the middle.
posted on 6/1/15
Saying that..Lucas should remain part of the squad if we cant find someone better.
posted on 6/1/15
Leiva la vida Lucas {Proud owner of the 5 000 000th comment} (U2720)
We need a midfielder who can drop in to the vacant full back position so the three defenders arent always being dragged across the pitch. It would be the DMs role in a back 4 to cover a full back attacking
posted on 6/1/15
Use the whole team to squeeze the space on the side of the attacking fullback.
Think of Pogba & Vidal....both alternate between attacking and defending...which is what i'll expect Hendo and Can to do.
posted on 6/1/15
Not enough goals from Lucas. Even defenders score more than him.
You want someone who would at least be a threat from set pieces even as a defensive midfielder.
Lucas doesn't.
posted on 6/1/15
comment by Leiva la vida Lucas {Proud owner of the 5 000 000th comment} (U2720)
posted 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Use the whole team to squeeze the space on the side of the attacking fullback.
Think of Pogba & Vidal....both alternate between attacking and defending...which is what i'll expect Hendo and Can to do.
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Yeah. But in Pogba&Vidal you have 2 world-class players and 2 of the best midfielders in the World...
In Henderson&Can, well... you don't...
We need a player who is good off the ball in midfield, Henderson is decent, but is more suited to a tactical pressing system as opposed to using his brain to induvidually break up attacks. Can is the same.
Pogba&Vidal are smart enough off the ball for Juve to justify playing 2 box-to-box midfielders. Not to mention they have one of the most intelligent players ever playing behind them most of the time. Granted he doesn't actually do a lot of donkey work, but still.
posted on 6/1/15
He has improved this season, but then he had to. At times he has been too much of a liability, giving away needless free kicks in dangerous areas, far, far too many times for my liking.
JimmyTheRed
posted on 7/1/15
A Liverpool team SERIOUS about winning titles and trophies needs to find better quality than Lucas. When you think of Mascherano or Didi Hamaan, Lucas isn't in that league. As long as we have players of Lucas' standard, we won't win much.
posted on 7/1/15
How much did Hamann and Mascherano win with us? Just curious