Lucas

[Mostar]

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

It should be.

Compared to Arsenal and Spurs, teams we'll be competing for the final CL spot, we're at the disadvantage and I really hope will improve there hopefully in January if there is anybody decent available.

[I, Ravel Morrison]

We shouldn't be thinking it's a slight on Lucas to want more options in midfield. Any reasonable fan can see Lucas' contribution to the club. And Lucas himself would be the first to say that competition for places is essential in a big club. He'd certainly welcome additions in Jan.

[Shaggy]

Close to that yes.

I think there has been some overzealous carding with tbh.

Most of his yellow cards have been a joke, so soft.

[Lee]

Most of his yellow cards have been a joke, so soft.

I guess Allen comes in for him against Palace?! Is he fit?

[ric.williams]

Close to that yes.

I think there has been some overzealous carding with tbh.

he seems to be the one to tackle once the ref has let everyone else's tackles go and the next one is getting a booking no matter what

[nineteen]

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.

Nice stats. I think he's doing a great job and can't understand the criticism. Anyway, I was curious where on the field these 2 fouls per game are happening? I suspect that they're somewhere in and around the half way line, far enough from the box to not be dangerous. Not 100% sure, but based on my hazy recollection from watching the games.

I read an article a couple of years back about Messi's contribution to Barcelona beyond all the goals. The writer was saying how he also gets stuck in around the midfield area, breaking up opponents play and giving away free kicks - your typical 'destroyer' type tactics. It seems to me that breaking up the opponents play is a pretty important factor and provided the fouls are far enough away to not be an imminent danger then I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it.

[Mattshark]

Nice stats. I think he's doing a great job and can't understand the criticism. Anyway, I was curious where on the field these 2 fouls per game are happening? I suspect that they're somewhere in and around the half way line, far enough from the box to not be dangerous. Not 100% sure, but based on my hazy recollection from watching the games.

I read an article a couple of years back about Messi's contribution to Barcelona beyond all the goals. The writer was saying how he also gets stuck in around the midfield area, breaking up opponents play and giving away free kicks - your typical 'destroyer' type tactics. It seems to me that breaking up the opponents play is a pretty important factor and provided the fouls are far enough away to not be an imminent danger then I wouldn't get my knickers in a twist over it.

Makes me wish the Guardian still had the chalk board.

I know one of his fouls against Sunderland was at the edge of the box, it was also never a foul.

[RedReet]

Makes me wish the Guardian still had the chalk board.

I know one of his fouls against Sunderland was at the edge of the box, it was also never a foul.

The official do, but it's nowhere near as good.

He's given a few away around the box IIRC.

As impressive as his stats usually are, they still don't show the whole picture. The amount of times he breaks up play without retaining possession often isn't counted and it's arguably just as important.

Would be interested to compare his first half and second half stats for the season though as it does seem like there is a noticable drop, although perhaps it just appears that way as the team as a whole seem to struggle.

[Charly]

Maybe its positioning, but he does not seem to gobble up balls in the same way Hamman and Mascherano used to. I do not think he has a big or strong midfield presence. Basically I think we can do a bit better in that position. Thats not to say Lucas cant do a job further forward.

Although its possible the problem is tactical, we have two players holding, but neither drops far enough back. one needs to be further forward to help us when we need to break out, as we end up getting squeezed back in the second halves.

Either way, something is not right in the middle. Perhaps it is Gerrard who is the problem.

[The_weatherman]

Maybe its positioning, but he does not seem to gobble up balls in the same way Hamman and Mascherano used to. I do not think he has a big or strong midfield presence. Basically I think we can do a bit better in that position. Thats not to say Lucas cant do a job further forward.

Although its possible the problem is tactical, we have two players holding, but neither drops far enough back. one needs to be further forward to help us when we need to break out, as we end up getting squeezed back in the second halves.

Either way, something is not right in the middle. Perhaps it is Gerrard who is the problem.

That is the problem, he is not suited for the deep lying role IMO, he wants to be a Xabi type but he isn't. He doesn't have the tactical discipline nor the positioning. That's why our midfield is so open and Lucas has to cover for both at times.

[Norbs]

# 3139 needs a reply before Lee's head explodes

[Mattshark]

I guess Allen comes in for him against Palace?! Is he fit?

I don't think he is no.

[SB]

I guess Allen comes in for him against Palace?! Is he fit?

# 3139 needs a reply before Lee's head explodes

I imagine his wife thinks so but he does absolutely nothing for me.

[el matador]

the centre midfield hasnt been right since the departures of alonso and mascherano.

It wasnt right under kenny and we're still struggling to find the right balance under BR. I like lucas a lot and he's shown tremendous character to come back from what he has but he's not had a brilliant start to this season.

If we put henderson in there with him and moved gerrard to the no.10 role then it might solve the midfield problem because of hendersons legs but it probably wouldnt help gerrards body playing in the meat grinder further forward.

[Mattshark]

the centre midfield hasnt been right since the departures of alonso and mascherano.

It wasnt right under kenny and we're still struggling to find the right balance under BR. I like lucas a lot and he's shown tremendous character to come back from what he has but he's not had a brilliant start to this season.

If we put henderson in there with him and moved gerrard to the no.10 role then it might solve the midfield problem because of hendersons legs but it probably wouldnt help gerrards body playing in the meat grinder further forward.

What exactly has Lucas done wrong? His stats suggest he done very well.