Lucas

[Guest]

He is a different type of player. Not the same build in the first instance, so you can't expect the same from him.

[rage]

He is a different type of player. Not the same build in the first instance, so you can't expect the same from him.

i'm really not getting at you or any of the other guys on here that think lucas is doing well but i've got to ask.

Lucas has been described as a box to box player (granted he hasn't played in that position for us yet) gerrard is a box to box player - how is lucas a different type of box to box player? what does he do differently? what special attributes does he have?

I know he's not the same build although gerrard was also a skinny kid when he first broke through.

[Guest]

i'm really not getting at you or any of the other guys on here that think lucas is doing well but i've got to ask.

Lucas has been described as a box to box player (granted he hasn't played in that position for us yet) gerrard is a box to box player - how is lucas a different type of box to box player? what does he do differently? what special attributes does he have?

I know he's not the same build although gerrard was also a skinny kid when he first broke through.

Well the box to box description was something tagged on him by journos, but I don't think it's fair. I think his main attributes are technical ability (passing game is excellent), excellent vision and an eye for goal.

He'll come good.

[rage]

Well the box to box description was something tagged on him by journos, but I don't think it's fair. I think his main attributes are technical ability (passing game is excellent), excellent vision and an eye for goal.

He'll come good.

[el matador]

I want all of our young players to come good for us. Lucas like babel is in that category.

I genuinely hope this lad proves himself to be a useful player but for the life of me I cant see it.

He doesnt do anything exceptionally well, at times he is neat and tidy but hasnt shown anything to suggest he is going to be a decent first team regular for us.

He isnt particularly strong, he isnt particularly fast, he isnt a great passer of the ball, he't not the best defensively, his movement isnt brilliant. A comparison with Anderson of utd is valid because even though lucas is older, anderson already looks a decent player. Anderson might make mistakes but he has enough in his locker to become a good player. Yes he did cost 3 times what lucas did but that's what I thought we were getting - brazilian flair and good work rate.

As I have already said I hope Lucas settles down and becomes a great player but from what I have seen of him this season I just cant see it happening but I am behind him.

[Shaggy]

I like Lucas. Think he's got potential to be a top midfield player.

What I like about him is he gets his passes away very early, often first time. He moves the ball quickly, which is in contrast to some of our players who can be guilty of being a bit ponderous in possession at times.

He badly needs to spend the summer in the gym, though. He's knocked off the ball far too easily.

[El Jefecito]

I think Rafa is using the "holding role" as a tool to get Lucas used to the physicality of the premiership. His role in the team is clear. win the ball and play the simple pass. Keep things ticking. While not spectacular he has done nothing wrong in my eyes. I think he is a very assured player for someone so young and people on here who critisice him and being very harsh. I think next season Rafa will try develop the box to box aspect of his game. He will be a future star for us IMO. Give him time. The same people on herewho critisise him are also the same fans who slate Rafa for not giving the youth a chance. It beggars belief

With you all the way.

I'm not quite sure what people expect him to do if he has to play the holding role:

Tackle - Check
Pass - Check
Intercept - Check

[El Jefecito]

i've been around long enough to be able to form an opinion on my own. Nor do i expect a player in his position to score 30 goals a season.

I accept your point that he is a young player starting out in a new continent but as of yet i've seen nothing from him. I've also said previously that he will still have next season to prove himself.

My comments are based upon this thread where it was claimed he played well, i don't think he has.

Given your vast experience what more would you expect of a 20 year old box to box midfielder who is being asked to not counter-attack (against his nature) and to play as a holding midfielder (a role he has never played before), in a league which is 10 x faster than you are used to and against players who have spent their whole lives trying to be physical vs. technical and for a manager who thinks your development is more important than your performances in the first year?

Would appreciate your insight

[El Jefecito]

i'm really not getting at you or any of the other guys on here that think lucas is doing well but i've got to ask.

Lucas has been described as a box to box player (granted he hasn't played in that position for us yet) gerrard is a box to box player - how is lucas a different type of box to box player? what does he do differently? what special attributes does he have?

I know he's not the same build although gerrard was also a skinny kid when he first broke through.

Right, SG is such a box to box player that Rafa is playing him behind torres. Lucas has game initelligence SG does not.

As stated elsewhere, "Rafa has finally found a role for Sg where he does not need to think "

SG in the middle 10+ goals ; SG on the right 20+ goals ; SG behind Torres 20+ goals. Box Box my ass.

[El Jefecito]

Well the box to box description was something tagged on him by journos, but I don't think it's fair. I think his main attributes are technical ability (passing game is excellent), excellent vision and an eye for goal.

He'll come good.

Take the word of those that watched him for Gremio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYqKzNlxclw

HE IS BOX 2 BOX

[El Jefecito]

I like Lucas. Think he's got potential to be a top midfield player.

What I like about him is he gets his passes away very early, often first time. He moves the ball quickly, which is in contrast to some of our players who can be guilty of being a bit ponderous in possession at times.

He badly needs to spend the summer in the gym, though. He's knocked off the ball far too easily.

It is noticable though that he is getting caught in possession less and less. Wish I could say the same about Xabi. It used to be that it was impossible to get the ball off of him.

[the rev leeroy brown]

rafa doesnt allow box to box players in his team. you have a position and yuo stick to it. the only player in our team that resembles a box to box player these days is dirk kuyt.

[El Jefecito]

rafa doesnt allow box to box players in his team. you have a position and yuo stick to it. the only player in our team that resembles a box to box player these days is dirk kuyt.

I think there's more leeway than that. At the moment Rafa sees the 2 in the 4231 as pistons. Later on I am sure you will see him telling El Jefecito to sit and Lucas to go forward. That's when we'll see the best of both.

[the rev leeroy brown]

I think there's more leeway than that. At the moment Rafa sees the 2 in the 4231 as pistons. Later on I am sure you will see him telling El Jefecito to sit and Lucas to go forward. That's when we'll see the best of both.

i'm not to sure about that. rafa likes to base his teams on strong defenses. when using 4-4-2 he likes 1 midfielder to sit deep and the other to attack but he likes both wide men to defend as well. with 4-2-3-1 he allows the 3 behind torres to attack a lot more so the defnsive duites fall on the 2 holding midfielders. i would like to see him unleash lucas more to support the attack but i cant see it myself.

[El Jefecito]

i'm not to sure about that. rafa likes to base his teams on strong defenses. when using 4-4-2 he likes 1 midfielder to sit deep and the other to attack but he likes both wide men to defend as well. with 4-2-3-1 he allows the 3 behind torres to attack a lot more so the defnsive duites fall on the 2 holding midfielders. i would like to see him unleash lucas more to support the attack but i cant see it myself.

Just because Lucas gets forward on counters is not compromising our defense. Remember Baraja and Albelda. That is the model he is going for and Lucas and El Jefecito are just upgrades on that