Lucas

[James P]

Some stats from The Times:

We've lost 1 game since Lucas returned to the team in November. That was the Man Utd game where he was an unused sub.

He has played in 15 matches since the Palace game, in which we have conceded only 12 goals.

He had played 57 games for us in the last two years. We have lost just six of those.



He might have had a bit of a bad patch earlier in the seadon, but when in form he is one of our most important players. I can't imagine why we'd want to let him go.

[Shaggy]

I think most of us were hasty in writing him off. He looked a shadow of the player he was pre knee injuries but I guess he just took time to readjust and get up to speed again. So happy to have been wrong.

[DannyMan2006]

I think most of us were hasty in writing him off. He looked a shadow of the player he was pre knee injuries but I guess he just took time to readjust and get up to speed again. So happy to have been wrong.

Most wanted to keep him as a squad player. Most think him to be a good DM. the whole issue came down to whether or not Rodgers saw a place for a player like him in the side. He no longer had the movement to play on the sides in a diamond and Rodgers worked wonders with Gerrard as a playmaker in front of the back 4. I think everyone agreed he was the best DM in the squad.

When we started changing formations I was critical of Gerrard's chances of playing to a high level in front of the back 4. And whilst there was no way I'd want those two paired together in midfield I wasn't sure Lucas had improved his game to compensate for his lack of movement since the injuries. But it made sense to put him there, we weren't scoring goals so we needed to concede less.

I've been holding back on Lucas as I wanted to see if he was properly over his injuries in a way that he can contribute to a high level once more. I think the Chelsea game at Anfield suggested he can, hopefully tonight will rubber stamp that. In fairness to me and others, Lucas himself admitted yesterday that only now was he properly getting to a level where he considered was his best as he hadn't been able to shake the injuries from his mind.

[BobTheCharmer]

I think most of us were hasty in writing him off. He looked a shadow of the player he was pre knee injuries but I guess he just took time to readjust and get up to speed again. So happy to have been wrong.

agree to a point, however should we go back to the diamond of last year, I'm not sure he's mobile enough to play in that role.

[fidget]

I've been holding back on Lucas as I wanted to see if he was properly over his injuries in a way that he can contribute to a high level once more.

If that was holding back i'd hate to see you letting loose on a player

[RedRum]

Some stats from The Times:

We've lost 1 game since Lucas returned to the team in November. That was the Man Utd game where he was an unused sub.

He has played in 15 matches since the Palace game, in which we have conceded only 12 goals.

He had played 57 games for us in the last two years. We have lost just six of those.



He might have had a bit of a bad patch earlier in the seadon, but when in form he is one of our most important players. I can't imagine why we'd want to let him go.

Very good stats and is clearly a big reason why we are much better defensively but Rodgers deserves credit for the stats too, for changing the system and playing Henderson deeper alongside him.

[baitman]

rodgers gets all the credit, but he only needed to read on this forum sooner and he would have then twigged that gerrard should not be played alongside lucas, but he still has something to offer further forward.

half the season gone.

[DeanoUK]

Had another brilliant game. I'd written him off an age ago but he's been phenomenal. If...if only he could cut out those unnecessary fouls just outside the book and he'd be a top player.

[danperkins]

Back to his best, like a new signing. Needs a new contract. Made Matic look ordinary in these two legs.

[Shaggy]

Back to his best, like a new signing. Needs a new contract. Made Matic look ordinary in these two legs.

Must say, fair play - I know we had our disagreements and you didn't seem to rate Lucas for a long time - but you're giving him credit where it's due. Mate of mine is so anti-Lucas he still won't give him any credit. The lad has been fantastic. With him being here 8 years I'd go as far as saying he's not that far off LFC legend status. A really good footballer, loyal, a great pro, loves the club, has a connection with the fans.............I love him.

[DeanoUK]

Aye I was the same, couldn't stand him for a long time, but he's back to his best. Even the FK that lead to the goal I'd put down to tiredness; he looked knackered at the end.

[Shaggy]

Aye I was the same, couldn't stand him for a long time, but he's back to his best. Even the FK that lead to the goal I'd put down to tiredness; he looked knackered at the end.

I know you called his fouls on the edge of the box 'unnecessary', but I think some of them are necessary - and there was one tonight that wasn't even a foul. He's got such a great football brain, tactically he gets it, reads the game fantastically well and is good enough to move the ball quickly. As I've said before our rhythm and tempo is always better when Lucas plays. Class act.

[danperkins]

Must say, fair play - I know we had our disagreements and you didn't seem to rate Lucas for a long time - but you're giving him credit where it's due. Mate of mine is so anti-Lucas he still won't give him any credit. The lad has been fantastic. With him being here 8 years I'd go as far as saying he's not that far off LFC legend status. A really good footballer, loyal, a great pro, loves the club, has a connection with the fans.............I love him.

Massive, massive credit to him... he's awesome man pure heart. Absolutely no problem in admitting i was wrong about him originally, so wrong!! There aren't many DM better than him. Such desire and commitment along with quality .... sign him up on a bumper contract he deserves it

I think i'm only a moany cunt when it comes to players who don't put 100% in. It's such a privilege to play for LFC, that I just feel the very least any player can do is gives 100% and work his bollox off. Lucas is the epitome of that.

Another phenomenal display

[Montana]

Great player, shows his intelligence and composure every week. One of the first names on the sheet

[Buzzo]

He tired a bit towards the end, but he was an absolute Monster over the two legs.

He reminds me loads of a more mobile Didi now. Ultimate game awareness and timing always putting out fires, winning the ball moving it on and making himself available. Hope he starts to get the acknowledgements his game deserves.

As with half our team he doesn't have a shot on him, but at least it's not his job