Lucas

[Arn]

So who then, right now,is the best dm in your opinion, based upon the above stats?

Good question and the one I asked myself before I said that he is the best DM in the world.

Many players that play in the same position can create more and is better to build up the play but no one is as complete as Lucas. Xavi and Pirlo is rubbish in the air and the tackling game is average for example.

Lucas don't really have a weakness when it comes down to the defensive part of the game.

[Lee]

I still don't think Lucas has attained his pre injury form. He's getting there though.

Possibly mate.

It's difficult to compare really. He seemed busier / better before his injury but he was playing in a poor Kenny team, a ****e Hodgson team and in Rafa's last season, a team that struggled. I think that's why he looked a lot better then, because of the amount of play that he was breaking up and the ground that he covered.

We play much better football now, we hold the ball for longer, don't tend to get overran and I think that's why Lucas doesn't appear to be doing what he did before his injury.


FFS. I've explained that really badly. Monday morning though innit.

[I, Ravel Morrison]

I still don't think Lucas has attained his pre injury form. He's getting there though.

Agree. He was in genuine world-class form and in prime physical condition before. I mean he was bossing the likes of Yaya Toure and looking the alpha midfielder.

Still half a yard of pace off in terms of fitness.

[RedReet]

I have to agree. I think Lucas has been excellent this year, but still looks only about 85/90% fit to me. He may never get back to 100% again, but as long as he remains injury free then there are very few better.

He was absolutely phenomenal before he picked up that injury, and it's scary to think how good he could have been. Maybe worked in our favour though as if he'd kept that form up, he might not still be here.

[I, Ravel Morrison]

I have to agree. I think Lucas has been excellent this year, but still looks only about 85/90% fit to me. He may never get back to 100% again, but as long as he remains injury free then there are very few better.

He was absolutely phenomenal before he picked up that injury, and it's scary to think how good he could have been. Maybe worked in our favour though as if he'd kept that form up, he might not still be here.

Yep, a 85/90% Lucas is still a top midfielder. But pairing him with Gerrard as a double pivot means a Henderson is required to offer energy and legs -- balance. The 100% Lucas would free the need.

[Reece]

Chris Morgan @ChrisMorgan10 17m
A big thanks to @LucasLeiva87 for helping me with the on-field translation with Philipe last night...very helpful when somebody is in pain!

Lucas Leiva @LucasLeiva87 14m
@ChrisMorgan10 we are a team mate you know that.

Lucas

[Phoenix07]

I was watching Lucas last night and it struck me how very 'Rafa-esque' Rodgers was in his use of him and Gerrard.

Lucas was pushing further ahead and closing down, becoming the ball winner like Mascherano while Gerrard sat back in a deeper role, essentially playing the Xabi Alonso role. It was certainly an encouraging aspect of our play. People think a DM is strictly between the defence and midfield, but Lucas was making his presence known in the midfield area. Excellent stuff.

[Frenchie]

any news on Coutinho? Looked like he nearly dislocated his shoulder. Certainly jarred it.

[Assassin]

any news on Coutinho? Looked like he nearly dislocated his shoulder. Certainly jarred it.

Nothing much. A ****terer said 10 days out.

I had what looked like a similar injury years ago. I dislocated the little ball and socket between the collar bone and the shoulder. If it is that he will be out a couple of weeks.....

[Frenchie]

[danperkins]

I know Lucas is bullet proof on here but IMO he hasn't been the same player since his injury lay off.

[Phoenix07]

You risk the wrath of RedReet at your peril.

[danperkins]

You risk the wrath of RedReet at your peril.

He gives out to me no matter what i post so **** it

[Baracus]

I know Lucas is bullet proof on here but IMO he hasn't been the same player since his injury lay off.

I don't think he is bullet proof here mate. I recall last year me and a fair few posters pointing it out to others that he is not our saviour or messiah and when he did return he was gash but that was excusable due to the long lay off. He has shown some signs of improvement in the odd match. But when he comes across or faces someone more physically and powerful in the middle he rarely turns up. Could be a fear factor or mental weakness as he was not like that before, he could have doubts about weather his knee is upto it or if can come through a challenge.

[BobTheCharmer]

You risk the wrath of RedReet at your peril.

He's too busy following all the Rafa related posts and has Google translate on overdrive as he scours the Turkish based sites for references to kuyt.