Lucas

[RedSince1964]

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recalled Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva for next month’s friendlies against South Korea and Zambia.

Lucas has not played for the Selecao since their 2-0 victory over Egypt in November 2011.
“Today the feeling is like when I got my first call up to play for Brazil. I can’t put into words how good I am feeling. Now that I have been called up, my dream is to be a part of the World Cup in Brazil,” the 26-year-old said.

Brazil will play South Korea in Seoul on Oct.12 and Zambia in Beijing three days later.

Cruzeiro centre-back Dede was also named, replacing captain Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson is likely to be Scolari’s first choice in goal following a hand injury to Queens Park Rangers stopper Julio Cesar.

Fluminense forward Fred was not included due to an injured right thigh, meaning Alexandre Pato and Jo will contest the only centre-forward spot in Scolari’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/975c049b-...c310acd44.aspx

He'll be fine, he's just coming into his prime years so, the best is yet to come

[RedReet]

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recalled Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva for next month’s friendlies against South Korea and Zambia.

Lucas has not played for the Selecao since their 2-0 victory over Egypt in November 2011.

“Today the feeling is like when I got my first call up to play for Brazil. I can’t put into words how good I am feeling. Now that I have been called up, my dream is to be a part of the World Cup in Brazil,” the 26-year-old said.

Brazil will play South Korea in Seoul on Oct.12 and Zambia in Beijing three days later.

Cruzeiro centre-back Dede was also named, replacing captain Thiago Silva, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Botafogo goalkeeper Jefferson is likely to be Scolari’s first choice in goal following a hand injury to Queens Park Rangers stopper Julio Cesar.

Fluminense forward Fred was not included due to an injured right thigh, meaning Alexandre Pato and Jo will contest the only centre-forward spot in Scolari’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/975c049b-...c310acd44.aspx

[Eric Swindler]

Lucas is doing his own job. However he is also being asked to compensate for gerrards ongoing absence in midfield. The criticism of him is nonsense. He tackles he passes. He does lack pace but he never had that to begin with.

[Norbs]

He doesn't need the extra games tbh but I'm happy for him to get some recognition

[RichC]

Does seem to be picking up the yellows quickly this season, at this rate he's going to miss a few games this season through suspensions.

I hope the midfield is on the agenda come January and next Summer.

[Bernardicus]

Tactical yellow by him today, knew he wouldn't be needed for us to beat Palace at home so got the 1 game suspension out of the way

[RedReet]

Tactical yellow by him today, knew he wouldn't be needed for us to beat Palace at home so got the 1 game suspension out of the way

[RedSince1964]

Does seem to be picking up the yellows quickly this season, at this rate he's going to miss a few games this season through suspensions.

I hope the midfield is on the agenda come January and next Summer.

So do i bud, so do i

[ronanm]

Does seem to be picking up the yellows quickly this season, at this rate he's going to miss a few games this season through suspensions.

I hope the midfield is on the agenda come January and next Summer.

It should have been on there last Summer. As PTP pointed out, it seems Lucas and SG are constantly chasing back once a player goes past them. Still, doing ok so far.

[RichC]

We look like we're trying to strengthen in areas at the moment, I expect the next effort will be all about the midfield.

[gentingfrmhell]

lucas should be capable of so much more, he should start training those long passes from midfield.
With that maybe henderson could be eased into centre midfield to replace gerrard.

[Mattshark]

lucas should be capable of so much more, he should start training those long passes from midfield.
With that maybe henderson could be eased into centre midfield to replace gerrard.

Does he need to make long passes?

He does a fantastic job of shielding our back line, moving the ball and keeping possession, that is his role.

[Mattshark]

For those interested

Lucas leads the team in
Tackles (20)
Interceptions (18)
is 2nd
Passes (1 less than Gerrardd)
Pass accuracy (only behind Sakho)
Recoveries (only behind Mignolet)

He is averaging 2 fouls a game, which is far from the constant some people have suggested.

[dww]

For those interested

Lucas leads the team in
Tackles (20)
Interceptions (18)
is 2nd
Passes (1 less than Gerrardd)
Pass accuracy (only behind Sakho)
Recoveries (only behind Mignolet)

He is averaging 2 fouls a game, which is far from the constant some people have suggested.

He must have a 50% foul to yellow card ratio then.

[Mattshark]

He must have a 50% foul to yellow card ratio then.

Close to that yes.

I think there has been some overzealous carding with tbh.