Lucas

[RedRum]

He's got to be up there with the best DM's in the league right now on recent form. Would love to see some stats and it wouldn't surprise me if he was. It seems he was just needing an extended run of games to get back to the Lucas of old.

[wiw]

Just said this in the post match but he's the brains of our team at the moment. For someone of his height he wins an incredible amount of headers. He slightly lacks the dynamism he had before his injury but he's very clever at being in the right place at the right time and picking his battles wisely. I like what he and Henderson bring as a two as well, Henderson is very good at making himself available for a quick pass from Lucas. Seems like a basic thing to do but it helps us build attacks more quickly.

[The_weatherman]

He's got to be up there with the best DM's in the league right now on recent form. Would love to see some stats and it wouldn't surprise me if he was. It seems he was just needing an extended run of games to get back to the Lucas of old.

He´s averaging 4.0 tackles per game, behind only Clyne with 4.2, third is Matic with 3.7. They are close on interceptions and clearances as well.

http://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/Seasons/4311/Stages/9155/PlayerStatistics/England-Premier-League-2014-2015

[DannyMan2006]

ridiculous statement but at least you've back pedalled a bit

I disagree of course.

I don't think we have many top class players. And whilst Lucas has done a good job, he's still slow and ponderous at times. He's fine when the group press and fine when he drops back towards the defensive line. But if you get him isolated one on one he can be got at. He normally just does what Gerrard started doing, knocks them down and takes a yellow. Surprised he didn't do it today as that new Villa lad skinned him and was clean through after a one two with a better pass.

I supported Lucas in the past, way back when he got abuse. And tbh, I'd support him now if everyone was having a go. I like to bring balance. There is a middle ground. He's not great, he's not suddenly the reason we are winning games. But in the same breath he's not ****e and he's been part of some decent enough team performances.

I can't say I'd be overly worried if he got injured though. He deserves to be in the team at present, but he's not someone who is carrying us which has been suggested on Twitter.

[McDermotX]

[Assassin]

Brilliant and the guy in the white beanie body surfing to get close to him

[fidget]

I disagree of course.

I don't think we have many top class players. And whilst Lucas has done a good job, he's still slow and ponderous at times. He's fine when the group press and fine when he drops back towards the defensive line. But if you get him isolated one on one he can be got at. He normally just does what Gerrard started doing, knocks them down and takes a yellow. Surprised he didn't do it today as that new Villa lad skinned him and was clean through after a one two with a better pass.

I supported Lucas in the past, way back when he got abuse. And tbh, I'd support him now if everyone was having a go. I like to bring balance. There is a middle ground. He's not great, he's not suddenly the reason we are winning games. But in the same breath he's not ****e and he's been part of some decent enough team performances.

I can't say I'd be overly worried if he got injured though. He deserves to be in the team at present, but he's not someone who is carrying us which has been suggested on Twitter.

If,as you say, he's nowhere near good enough for a side challenging for top honours, can you tell me who is please?
Then tell me who is quite near and who is not that near but not nowhere near.

[G]

Lucas is one of us.

[Cormack74]

Meant to comment on this when I saw it yesterday. Thought it was brilliant how he bypassed his team mates and almost dived into the crowd.

[Norbs]

What are the odds on Lucas scoring before the end of January? He's been getting closer and closer and was only denied a screamer by a decent save yesterday

[Reece]

[Shaggy]

****in buzz or what. Absolutely brilliant.

[Shaggy]

Buzzing!

It's stuff like this that makes me realise I still love this ****.

[DannyMan2006]

If,as you say, he's nowhere near good enough for a side challenging for top honours, can you tell me who is please?
Then tell me who is quite near and who is not that near but not nowhere near.

I think we have a number of young players who could go on to be key players in a top side. Sturridge & Sterling to name two. Neither has proved they're top class to the point of where they are essential players that would be the envy of teams around Europe. Under Rafa we had Alonso, Gerrard, Torres & Mascherano to name but 4. We have none of that level IMO. Not yet.

What we have is a few players who are essential to the team and make a difference. Mostly down to a lack of other good players in their position. Players being made to look better than they are if you like.

[fidget]

I think we have a number of young players who could go on to be key players in a top side. Sturridge & Sterling to name two. Neither has proved they're top class to the point of where they are essential players that would be the envy of teams around Europe. Under Rafa we had Alonso, Gerrard, Torres & Mascherano to name but 4. We have none of that level IMO. Not yet.

What we have is a few players who are essential to the team and make a difference. Mostly down to a lack of other good players in their position. Players being made to look better than they are if you like.

I'm talking about the DM role in our team and players from any club to take that role.
Who is good enough,who is quite near and who is not that near but still not nowhere near?
All of whom would have to be clearly better than Lucas who according to you is nowhere near good enough.