Lucas

[MascheredUp]

Thought he was brilliant today. Got stuck in today and was boss in midfield.

I like many have had slight doubts about him and his ability to adapt to the physical side of the game.

[machiavelli]

Thought he was a little of the pace in the 1st half, but in the second played much better

[JohnDoe]

Poor first half, much much better in the second. He'll be a good player for us, just needs to work on his strength and awareness at times. Tends to hide a bit sometimes.

[kev776]

He still has not bought me yet, but like all players he gets 2 seasons and a decent run in the side before I decide.

At the moment, nothing special.

[Exiled_red]

I think he had a decent game second half certainly has great potential

[AFII]

I thought he played a very good game. Did what he should do and that is more defending than attacking.

[spud_gun]

I thought he played a very good game. Did what he should do and that is more defending than attacking.

But have we seen the best of him? I think he may be finished?

[AFII]

But have we seen the best of him? I think he may be finished?

We have not seen the best of him in a long way. He don't play that much and in a new league and a position he isn't used to.

He played in a more attacking position for Gremio.

[Rishi73]

I was getting a little pissed off with Alonso and Lucas in the first half becasue every time they passed the ball they didn't move forward ahead of the ball, it seemed they were to conserved and playing it safe. But in the second half Lucas was getting more involved in the attacking play, surging forward, and this resulted in a assist. I think we saw a glimmer of what he has to offer, hopefully we'll see more of this next season. I certainly think he has the potential.

[rage]

talk him up all you want he was poor again today. lightweight lucas will never make it as a defensive midfielder in the premiership.

I hear some respected posters on here talk about how he'd be better played further up the pitch and until i see him played there i'll reserve judgement on him. he'll have next season regardless but so far he's been a disappointment.

now off to find the kuyt man of the match thread.....

[JohnOK]

He was excellent in the 2nd half but 1st half he was poor.

I know he has only been here a season and will get much better but he will never get in the team ahead of Mascherano if they are competing for the same position. I don't see him as a defensive midfielder anyway as he can't tackle particularly well. I think he is better going forward than defending and put in a few good passes in the 2nd half.

[Roboklopp]

Thought he did well today.

[Vermilion]

I was getting a little pissed off with Alonso and Lucas in the first half becasue every time they passed the ball they didn't move forward ahead of the ball, it seemed they were to conserved and playing it safe. But in the second half Lucas was getting more involved in the attacking play, surging forward, and this resulted in a assist. I think we saw a glimmer of what he has to offer, hopefully we'll see more of this next season. I certainly think he has the potential.

For sure, there is defo something about this fella imo, well worth the wait for him to adapt to this league & it's special style of football. I feel we will see a real gem unfold before our eyes over the next 3 seasons.

[Rishi73]

Just out of curiosity does anyone think Rafa was planning to use Lucas in the first team this season? When we signed him we had Alonso, Momo and Mascher. Considering how young he was and coming from Brazil I thought maybe he'd spend his first season in the reserves. But with injuries to Alonso and Momo just being plain **** that Lucas has played more than Rafa has intended. I think a season in the reserves would have done him good to adjust and build his confidence.

[the rev leeroy brown]

every foreigner comes to the english game with a game plan of using their first season to "adjust". it's a good thing lucas (and even babel) have played so much this season - it will help them next season get into their stride. lucas will be boss next year i have no doubts.