Lucas Leiva

[-V-]

He's had some decent games. Just needs to sort out his hair if he wants to be taken seriously as a central midfielder

[Norbs]

His problem was that he could never dominate games, just because he wasn't physically up to it. He's got a very good short passing range and his movements are terrific IMO, especially in the attacking third. He's made space for himself so many times last season and found himself with great goalscoring opportunities, even though he lacked the finishing touch to prove that. But with experience this will come.

There's more than meets the eye with Lucas, and some people will be surprised.

Steven Hawkins has probably got a very good short passing game, tbh, and anyone who can't pass the ball a short distance is really going to struggle at any level.

He reminds me of Vinny Sideways, I mean Samways, in that his negativity and lack of confidence causes him to look for a short ball to the side when he should be either running with it or at least passing it forwards. Countless times last season he passed the ball too short, ambulance balls if you like, and put us in a dangerous position.

Having said that, I like the attitude of the guy and I hope he grows to be a better footballer for us. I don't want to see any of our players fail but if he doesn't improve markedly next season then I think it's time for him to move on.

[red g]

Steven Hawkins has probably got a very good short passing game, tbh, and anyone who can't pass the ball a short distance is really going to struggle at any level.

He reminds me of Vinny Sideways, I mean Samways, in that his negativity and lack of confidence causes him to look for a short ball to the side when he should be either running with it or at least passing it forwards. Countless times last season he passed the ball too short, ambulance balls if you like, and put us in a dangerous position.

Having said that, I like the attitude of the guy and I hope he grows to be a better footballer for us. I don't want to see any of our players fail but if he doesn't improve markedly next season then I think it's time for him to move on.

bit harsh you dont know what Rafa has instructed him to do.

[ukfootballfan101]

Steven Hawkins has probably got a very good short passing game, tbh, and anyone who can't pass the ball a short distance is really going to struggle at any level.

He reminds me of Vinny Sideways, I mean Samways, in that his negativity and lack of confidence causes him to look for a short ball to the side when he should be either running with it or at least passing it forwards. Countless times last season he passed the ball too short, ambulance balls if you like, and put us in a dangerous position.

Having said that, I like the attitude of the guy and I hope he grows to be a better footballer for us. I don't want to see any of our players fail but if he doesn't improve markedly next season then I think it's time for him to move on.

I disagree with that, I don't think Gerrard is a great short passer, he and hit a great 40 yarder but Alonso is on a different level with his short passing.

I really like Lucas, I think he will be great for us very soon, and as a few others have mentioned, it says so much that Rafa has faith in him. Rafa gets rid of players he doesn't think are good enough very quickly.

[Norbs]

I disagree with that, I don't think Gerrard is a great short passer, he and hit a great 40 yarder but Alonso is on a different level with his short passing.

I really like Lucas, I think he will be great for us very soon, and as a few others have mentioned, it says so much that Rafa has faith in him. Rafa gets rid of players he doesn't think are good enough very quickly.

His 10 yard passes are often under hit and he wont attempt a 40 yard pass, Gerrard's give and go is of the highest quality and the pace is usually spot on.

One thing that Lucas seems to be good at is the defence splitting pass, it's just he rarely seems to find himself in a position to play it. A real enigma

[Guest]

His 10 yard passes are often under hit and he wont attempt a 40 yard pass, Gerrard's give and go is of the highest quality and the pace is usually spot on.

One thing that Lucas seems to be good at is the defence splitting pass, it's just he rarely seems to find himself in a position to play it. A real enigma

I think his movements are good.

[Kenneth]

Sell him in exchange for a curly wurly.

[red g]

His 10 yard passes are often under hit and he wont attempt a 40 yard pass, Gerrard's give and go is of the highest quality and the pace is usually spot on.

One thing that Lucas seems to be good at is the defence splitting pass, it's just he rarely seems to find himself in a position to play it. A real enigma

for the 2/3 good ones he has done there are a lot more that havent come off.

I would say he may be able to spot a defence splitting pass.......just very rarely executes it

[mattydalton]

I think people have been a little harsh with Lucas in the past. Coming directly from the pedestrian Brazilian league to the motorway pile up Premiership must be quite a shock - could Robinho have done it? I doubt it but his time in Spain helped him adapt gradually (and let's not forget he had a couple of years where he struggled there too!)

English football fans take for granted the physical demands that are placed on footballers in this country - how many bookings do we see in Europe that wouldn't even be a free kick in the Premiership? I reckon now that Lucas has had a couple of years to adapt to the English style of play this coming season must be his make or break - he obviously has the talent and he seems to have the attitude but is he suited? Only time will tell but I think he may well turn out good for us...

[wiw]

Lucas will get 5 or more goals in all comps next season. £15 to HJC. Any takers?

[Mattshark]

Lucas will get 5 or more goals in all comps next season. £15 to HJC. Any takers?

I agree, I think he'll get a few headers in there.

[red g]

Lucas will get 5 or more goals in all comps next season. £15 to HJC. Any takers?

go on then, I will take that bet

hope you win it though ......going to a good cause and all that.

[Catrin]

I like the way he always look to support the man on the ball. If a player is under pressure and needs someone to pass to it'll often be Lucas that gets into the right position and more often than not he'll control the ball properly and pass it on to another red shirt.

[wiw]

go on then, I will take that bet

hope you win it though ......going to a good cause and all that.

Me too Ok you're on

[red g]

Me too Ok you're on

tell you what if he scores a goal that appears on motd goal of the month i will donate double