Lucas

[MrMichael]

Young player of the year...

Nope.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_de_Ouro

The Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball) is an award given each year, since 1973, by the authoritative Brazilian magazine «Placar» to the best player in the Brazilian National Championship. It is practically the equivalent to a Footballer of the Year award. It is based on accrued points which players are given according to their performance after each matchday.

[dww]

I think the problem is that people think that because he is a Brazilian he would be flashy and instantly look the part. I think if you compare him to the sort of players Arsenal have bought into their team at a similar age he looks a lot more consistent. He is a neat effective player who so far has shown little of the attacking drive he was famous for in Brazil. I really think that the fact he is a calm neat passer of the ball at his age is a good sign although I'm not convinced he will be able to reproduce the dynamic impact he had in Brazil in the hurly burly of the Premiership. However if he has a preseason with us and Rafa gets him to work in the gym I think he could be a very useful member of the squad.

[anfieldanfield]

Good, but not good enough.

[BFG]

I think he's done well and some people really need to have a more balanced view considering his circumstances and give him a fair go. I think although he's been inconsistent he's done very well in a vital role in the team. I think it's testament to how subtly well he's done that Xabi has been out for most of the season and we haven't missed him that sorely since very early on in the campaign because Lucas has stepped in and done his job quietly but effectively.

Considering he's been playing in a very demanding role in front of the defence (way out of his 'natural' position too) I think we have to be more than satisfied with his contribution this term.

[Abro100]

I dont think he'll make it, too slow in possesion, too weak, looses the ball too much.

[carlton]

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.

I guess the point I was trying to make was that he has had a number of challenges and because he hasnt performed like a superstar week in week out some people are down on him. I think he is going to be a excellent player for this club.

[Shaggy]

RAFA BENITEZ'S Olympic headache worsened today after Lucas became the second Liverpool player to declare his intention to take part in this summer's Beijing Games.

The Reds’ Brazilian midfielder has followed in the footsteps of Argentinian team-mate Javier Mascherano by confirming that he is determined to play for his country in the Olympics.

With the tournament taking place between August 8-24, Benitez will be left short of midfield cover at the start of the new season should both players get their wish.

And the situation is made even more impractical for Liverpool by the fact that should they be selected to represent their respective countries, both Lucas and Mascherano would be required to take part in training camps for a fortnight before the Olympics begin.

That would cause severe disruption to Benitez’s pre-season planning and leave the Liverpool boss with only two senior central midfielders to choose from in Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, although they will be supplemented by Gareth Barry should the Reds’ pursuit of Aston Villa’s England star prove successful.

But Lucas insists he has to answer his country’s call – even though it would result in him missing out on Premiership games and a Champions League qualifier for Liverpool.

“Hopefully I will be picked,” he said. “That would mean I would start the pre-season here with Liverpool and then later on I would go to the Olympics.

“I need to wait for the squad to be picked but hopefully I will go.

“I know that would mean me missing some games for Liverpool and that is not good, but when you talk about your country you always want to play for them.

“And for Brazil the Olympics is like the World Cup because Brazil has never won the gold medal.

“It is also important for my future as an international player because the World Cup qualifiers are coming up and obviously I would like to be in the squad for those.

“So now I need to think about the Olympics and I will speak with Rafa about this.”

Meanwhile, speculation linking Liverpool with a move for Barcelona left back Eric Abidal is wide of the mark.

Benitez is in the market for a new left back with John Arne Riise likely to depart Anfield during the summer but Abidal is not on his shortlist and has not been watched by Liverpool’s scouts.

[rage]

not only is he lightweight but his loyalties are elsewhere! ffs if anyone in the team needs a full pre-season to help him compete next year its this boy, short term gain - long term pain!!

[Reece]

not only is he lightweight but his loyalties are elsewhere! ffs if anyone in the team needs a full pre-season to help him compete next year its this boy, short term gain - long term pain!!

Are you going to question Masher's loyalties as well then?

[Scratch]

Are you going to question Masher's loyalties as well then?

Of course he's not, after all, he doesn't have an agenda against Mascher, so will not be beating him with that stick.

[rage]

Of course he's not, after all, he doesn't have an agenda against Mascher, so will not be beating him with that stick.

no. because masch doesn't need a strong pre-season in the way lucas does, masch has proven his quality, lucas has yet to and of course the key factor i think lucas will not make the grade and therefore, imo, he should be doing everything possible to make the grade.

[Reece]

no. because masch doesn't need a strong pre-season in the way lucas does, masch has proven his quality, lucas has yet to and of course the key factor i think lucas will not make the grade and therefore, imo, he should be doing everything possible to make the grade.

[Reece]

Actually I'll add to that. I'm pretty sure if selected, a player has to go to the Olympics. If they didn't, they wouldn't be allowed to stay at home and play in the Premiership with us. So what exactly do you expect Lucas to do?

[rage]

Actually I'll add to that. I'm pretty sure if selected, a player has to go to the Olympics. If they didn't, they wouldn't be allowed to stay at home and play in the Premiership with us. So what exactly do you expect Lucas to do?

well i suppose he's too young to retire from international duty, how about feign injury?

honestly though the pre season is vital for him.

[BFG]

Actually I'll add to that. I'm pretty sure if selected, a player has to go to the Olympics. If they didn't, they wouldn't be allowed to stay at home and play in the Premiership with us. So what exactly do you expect Lucas to do?

It's obvious no? Strike against the Brazil National team, take it to court with FIFA, get a lifetime ban from International games and get a haircut.

Oh and then Rage'd sell him in Jan because he's not good enough.