Lucas

[Vermilion]

saying that he is only a few months older than plessis is not much of an argument in my view... the guy was signed for big(gish) money, and there will be expectation on him to deliver...

however, this expectation is only in the long term. I would actually think that he deserves even more than next season regardless because he is a long term signing.... if he signed for arsenal, then wenger would be a genius and he'd be eased in over 3 seasons if necessary (like denilson!)

Don't understand players being judged by a single season or even two, so many things to take into considration, many players take a long time to settle down in a new country/enviroment, style of play, for me he looks a great player in the making, it's now up to himself & Rafa to mould him into the player i believe he can be, a great one.

[FatTony]

I haven't been impressed to be honest. I know its difficult to judge a player in his first season but if a player's good, he shows moments of it and for me Lucas hasn't done that. He also looks too lightweight, but then that can be worked on though I would've expected this to have been the easiest thing for him to work on, but there seems to have been no improvement at all.

[bobbyfallon]

I agree with most of you. Lucas hasn't impressed me so far, but I'm willing to give him more time.

hell be delighted

[friedk]

I think, all things considered, he's done well. Nothing spectacular, but seeing as none of us at the start of the season thought he would play more than a handful of first team games, I think he has done pretty well.

[Dessy]

The lad has definitely got talent and I'm sure he will improve a lot after his first season flirting with 1st team opportunity.

Hes competing for a place in central midfield against established WORLD class players....must be a bit daunting?

Patience will be worthwhile with this kid imo.

[friedk]

He also joins a distinguished line of average or worse first seasons:
Drogba
Ronaldo
Pires
Finnan
etc etc

[Joe King]

Give him time. If he was playing for Man U or Chelsea, the press would be saying 'he's got potential' and so on. Its good the press aren't jizzing over him, he can get along his development over the next couple of seasons.

[Joe King]

Also, see who causes the mistake which leads to the Torres goal yesterday?

[knockers]

I ve been critical of him but then think he is only 20 or 21, in his first season, doesnt speak the language and came to us with being the brazilian young player of the year. Im sure you dont find those sort of awards in a box of cornflakes so Im hopeful he will get better because he does have the qualities to be a better than average player. If Phil Neville hadnt produced one of the sames of the year Lucas would already be a hero.

He does speak English now and gave an interview in English before Torres did. Also he wasn't voted the best Young Brazilian player of the year, he was voted The Brazilian player of the year. A great honour won by some of the best Brazilian footballers in world football (as well as an Argie plying his trade at Mount Doom) I have great hopes for young Lucas. I think Rafa is teaching him the English game slowly and will eventually play in Gerrards position when his legs finally start to slow down and has to sit more.

[rage]

brazillian player of the year - oh how the mighty have fallen

[Darth Marty]

Whilst I have to admit to expecting more looking back the lad has had a lot to contend with and he has done that whilst maintaining a great attitude and playing well, if not spectacularly, when selected.
Overall the jury must still be out but in no way can he be called a flop.

[Joe Le Toff]

Personally i think Lucas is going to be a very good player for us.

The time to judge if he is or isnt, is not at the end of his first season.

[MascheredUp]

Based on what I've seen this season, Lucas has shown absolutely nothing to suggest he's gonna be a star.

I know it's harsh, can't think of a single thing he's done to suggest he's gonna be a superstar. He's slow, lacks physical presence, not particulary skillful or aware what's around him (for a Brazilan).

With Babel you can see he's gonna be a superstar. I can't say the same about Lucas.

I hope I'm wrong and he becomes a transformed player for us next season.

[Nic83]

Young player of the year...

[Fan65]

I must be watching a different player, For mw Lucas has looked like an inexperienced but very talented midfielder.

He will become a class act under Rafa.