First choice midfield...

[JohnDoe]

You clearly can't stand Lucas, but that aside this is just utter hyperbole.

Try to watch a game and follow Lucas and tell me that isn't an accurate assessment of his game.

[Imy]

Yes. Definitely. Our defence is very weak and doesn't suit a top side that dominates possession and requires them to sit high up the pitch.

It's the lack of pace (not just in defence though but throughout the team)

[Reece]

Try to watch a game and follow Lucas and tell me that isn't an accurate assessment of his game.

If that was an accurate assessment of him, he wouldn't get anywhere near a Premier League team or the Brazilian squad.

[red g]

I am pretty sure if Dunga wasnt the brazilian manager, lucas wouldnt be in the squad to be honest

[Shaggy]

If that was an accurate assessment of him, he wouldn't get anywhere near a Premier League team or the Brazilian squad.

Rafa just picks him because he's scared.

[JohnDoe]

It's the lack of pace (not just in defence though but throughout the team)

I agree, there are other things though. The mentality. We're defending like an inferior side. Too many "no nonsense and no risk" and too little wise heads.

If that was an accurate assessment of him, he wouldn't get anywhere near a Premier League team or the Brazilian squad.

Lots of players do what he does and are considered decent defensive midfielders. Pair them with another central midfielder who is superior in the ball and it actually is not a bad pairing. Pair them with a pure defensive midfielder and you'd get a **** footballing side, which is what we are this season, coincidentally.

[Mattshark]

Try to watch a game and follow Lucas and tell me that isn't an accurate assessment of his game.

It isn't in the slightest.

[Kenneth]

Not according to Benitez in the start of the season when he tried to justify signing Aquilani.

Lucas can't pass. He knows he can't pass, so he only passes it sideways or backwards to an open man. That's what he does, all the time, there are exceptions but they're rare (like that pass to Torres. I'm still waiting for other examples). He doesn't lose the ball because he doesn't try anything that he's going to fail at, one of which is actually playing football.

Would you like us to play a striker who doesn't miss any chances to score because he doesn't get into scoring positions? I know I wouldn't. Lucas is doing exactly what I'd do if I got a run in the team at CM.

I'm a **** footballer, so I'd only do what I can: Pass sideways, run around a bit, pass backwards, get bypassed by entire the team who just hoofs it forward because there is no craft in midfield, make a forward run when we're in the final third, appear to get into a position to do something, but never actually get the ball and do something with it. I know I'd get found out if I ever have the misfortune of receiving it.

Also, when the team doesn't have the ball, I'd run around a lot and harass the other team because the only chance I'd ever have of looking good is if I somehow intercept the ball or tackle, because that doesn't take a lot of ability to do. I'd also commit a lot of silly fouls in my half when I feel I'm getting turned by someone.

I know that because I've seen games again just so I can follow him and Masch around and try to understand what they do when we have the ball and form a careful opinion of them. Lucas is a pretender horribly out of his depth.

And on the other hand, you've got Aquilani. Play Aquilani.

Good post. Lucas is perfectly suited to lower league football.

[-V-]

Gerrard-----Mascher----Aquilani----Maxi
----------Kuyt-------Torres

Yossi is a great supersub to have

[Craig_H]

Tell you what if Aquilani had played the ball Lucas played to Torres against Blackburn some people on here would be pumping man milk all over the shop. As it is, it's just ignored.

Ignoring it is doing Lucas a favour - it was overhit

[Craig_H]

Aside from a bit of exaggeration to emphasise a point, JohnDoe's description of Lucas isnt wildly inaccurate

Point is though, it depends on the role Rafa wants him to do, and if that's one of being solid, decent and keeping his shape, Lucas does what's asked of him.

You could probably argue that this is all that's asked of him, because his role is outlined with particular thought given to his limitations. That's a different debate.

[Guest]

There are potential minefields in this discussion.

[dww]

There are potential minefields in this discussion.

Is that ever not true for you?

[BG1973]

change of mind.....

for home games switch mash for ste and for away games lucas for ste.

Find this whole home and away formation a bit indicative to be honest.

We should field our strongest side and it should be good enough to win home and away. Maybe not against certain sides where counter attack more wise but certainly most premier league sides.

[frank the tank]

Against the big teams:

--------------------REINA--------------------

JOHNSON---CARRA---------AGGER-------INSUA


--------------LUCAS-----MASCHERANO-------

KUYT-------------GERRARD-------------BENAYOUN

-------------------TORRES------------------------



Against the lesser teams:


----------------------REINA----------------------

JOHNSON----CARRA----------AGGER-------INSUA

-------------------MASCHERANO------------------

MAXI---------------GERRARD------------BENAYOUN


---------KUYT----------------TORRES--------------




However, this type of thread isa bit pointless. Players get suspentions, injuries, lack of form and generally burned out in patches.........what we need is a strong squad so that when we do need to rest and rotate players, the quality of the first team doesn't suffer too much - we all know that on our day, we can beat any team.....

with this in mind, i'd prefer to mention what players i'd love to see us sign:

Joe Cole on a free transfer - he could play in any of the "3" behind el nino........good player....

Simon Kjaer (sp?) - highly rated and says he'd like to play alongside agger for lfc.... i wouldn't be totally gutted if skrtel left to be honest but i'd prefer him to stay. This signing would mean that carra would probably be viewed as the backup for when glen johnson is injured. I think carra might have to be rested a bit more next season but his versatility might mean that he acts as a cover to both full backs when they are injured (i think aurelio might move on)

Arda Turan - would be a good addition - class player with a desire to come to liverpool.

Scott Parker - i reckon he feels he has 4 good years left in him and might be open to another move to a big club. Has a lot to prove and probably gutted that he made the wrong choices in his career - like going to chelsea. He is as talented as the likes of Carrick and Hargreaves but has a west ham jersey each saturday for his efforts - pretty bad.......

i'd move on Aquilani, Babel and possibly Riera to pay for all this.......

then i feel we would have a squad that is ready to challenge.......