Fernando Torres is back

[peekay]

Prior to yesterday 95% of people would have said that Anderson is a million miles better than Lucas. Before to the start of the game I was talking with my Manc supporting mate and comparing the two. Both Brazilian, both originally from Gremio, good mates with each other, etc etc.

Then I added that both were bought at the same time, but that Anderson had cost nearly three time as much as Lucas. His reply? "It shows".

And I don't think many would have argued with him prior to yesterdays game. Many would still harp on about Anderson having Gerrard in his pocket and moan about Lucas getting sent off.

But this season Lucas has shown tremendous spirit and that he has the required mentality to be a success at a big club. He's been booed by his own fans but he has not gone into hiding, he has stood up and been counted - Taking the criticism on the chin.

Yesterday he showed he has the ability to be a success at Liverpool. He was edgy at first and looked his poor usual self, but after that first 15 minutes he was simply fantastic. He wasn't the only one, but I single him out for praise as he has too often been singled out for ridicule when he has been no worse that the others on the pitch.

He hasn't set the world alight since being here, but maybe yesterday could prove to be a turning point for him. If the crowd can get behind him again he could well become a very good player for LFC.

I think he feels less pressure playing away from home where he does not feel the crowd on his back as both of his best performance have come away from home. He will be a very good player for us, though I dont see him becoming a great player in this league.

If he went to the Spanish or Italian league, he could be a great player. He has game intelligence and if he is given the time on the ball, the ability to pick out a threaded pass.

[Craig_H]

That's probably what he got from Rafa when he got in the dressing room


It's amazing hey. 2 months ago anyone suggesting Rafa wasn't insane for giving Lucas a chance was almost universally shouted down. His one decision even people who like Rafa agreed was ridiculous.

Guess he really does know best

The lad has a handful of DECENT games for us, i dont think anything has yet happened to suggest Lucas is anything more than average.

He lacks the aggression to be a very good defensive midfielder and he lacks the ability to make a significant impact in the attacking third. He cant beat a man, he's not physically strong, his doesnt possess Alonso's passing ability and his shooting hasnt shown itself to be anything special.

To be a very good player he has to make a significant impact on matches, on a regular basis and i dont think we've seen anything to suggest that this is likely.

£6m later and i still dont think Rafa 'knew best' on this signing.

[Dhav]

Lucas did well yesterday, but i am still very much unconvinced he has a long term future here

[simey85]

Torres has a fantastic record in the big games, out from all his skill, pace its his character and determination and ability to do it when it really matters which sets him apart as the best in the world!

[DannyMan2006]

The lad has a handful of DECENT games for us, i dont think anything has yet happened to suggest Lucas is anything more than average.

He lacks the aggression to be a very good defensive midfielder and he lacks the ability to make a significant impact in the attacking third. He cant beat a man, he's not physically strong, his doesnt possess Alonso's passing ability and his shooting hasnt shown itself to be anything special.

To be a very good player he has to make a significant impact on matches, on a regular basis and i dont think we've seen anything to suggest that this is likely.

£6m later and i still dont think Rafa 'knew best' on this signing.

Doesn't have to be great at anything to be a great player. The things you mention, well he isn't actually poor or incapable of any of them. He has the potential to be a good all round player. He may never be great, but as long as he shows the ability to be a good squad player it is £6m reasonably well spent.

Lucas did well yesterday, but i am still very much unconvinced he has a long term future here

And rightly so. The kid has a hell of a lot to prove. But I'm happy that the potential is there. And whatever happens he'll not be able to say he didn't have the chances.

Yesterday he showed he could make it.

[Craig_H]

Doesn't have to be great at anything to be a great player. The things you mention, well he isn't actually poor or incapable of any of them. He has the potential to be a good all round player. He may never be great, but as long as he shows the ability to be a good squad player it is £6m reasonably well spent.



And rightly so. The kid has a hell of a lot to prove. But I'm happy that the potential is there. And whatever happens he'll not be able to say he didn't have the chances.

Yesterday he showed he could make it.

Quite right, never be great is an understatement.

Our aspirations generally require better than 'average' players.

[Leyton388]

Prior to yesterday 95% of people would have said that Anderson is a million miles better than Lucas. Before to the start of the game I was talking with my Manc supporting mate and comparing the two. Both Brazilian, both originally from Gremio, good mates with each other, etc etc.

Then I added that both were bought at the same time, but that Anderson had cost nearly three time as much as Lucas. His reply? "It shows".

And I don't think many would have argued with him prior to yesterdays game. Many would still harp on about Anderson having Gerrard in his pocket and moan about Lucas getting sent off.

But this season Lucas has shown tremendous spirit and that he has the required mentality to be a success at a big club. He's been booed by his own fans but he has not gone into hiding, he has stood up and been counted - Taking the criticism on the chin.

Yesterday he showed he has the ability to be a success at Liverpool. He was edgy at first and looked his poor usual self, but after that first 15 minutes he was simply fantastic. He wasn't the only one, but I single him out for praise as he has too often been singled out for ridicule when he has been no worse that the others on the pitch.

He hasn't set the world alight since being here, but maybe yesterday could prove to be a turning point for him. If the crowd can get behind him again he could well become a very good player for LFC.

Spot on there i agree I have been very critical of Lucas this season but yesterday he was amazing and it will only give him confidence for the future he bossed the midfield with Mash yesterday and if he can keep it up i will be MORE than happy for the lad to prove me and everyone else wrong. The same goes for Dossena he is superb on the left wing!