Lucas

[Scratch]

Give Kolo a new contract for the lolz but **** on Lucas

Kolo - Happy to be the backup player, not expecting first team action on a regualr basis, so was happy to sign a contract extension.

Lucas - Feels he is good enough for the first team, wants to play every week, but is behind Can, Milner and Henderson in the pecking order and would probably not sign a contract extension if offered.

So, where's the comparison?

[Mostar]

I have no issues if he goes but we will need a replacement brought in as Allen is made of glass & he's not really that good either. Medal or Illaramendi maybe what we need.

+1

If we want a defensive minded mid Medel be a definite improvement over both Lucas and Allen.

Mad ******* who can be very impulsive but I like him.

[DannyMan2006]

+1

If we want a defensive minded mid Medel be a definite improvement over both Lucas and Allen.

Mad ******* who can be very impulsive but I like him.

I don't think we do. At least not one of Medels ability on the ball.

[Corndog]

A team doesn't necessarily need a 'DM' if it has midfielders who are athletic and intelligent enough.

People are only clamouring for one because most teams have a version of one.

A midfield of can, Henderson and Milner doesn't have any exclusively attacking player to cover, they will all get back when they need to.

Emre Can is a very good all rounder, he can play as the deepest but he won't be stuck there. He isn't a traditional 'DM' because he also has the game to charge forward beat a couple of men and score.

the versatility of that trio should be seen as a strength, it will make the team less predictable when trying to break down bus parking fodder. The success of it wont be down to whether Lucas stays or goes or whether we sign a new DM, will be down to how intelligently they can work together, switch and cover each other.

[baitman]

A team doesn't necessarily need a 'DM' if it has midfielders who are athletic and intelligent enough.

People are only clamouring for one because most teams have a version of one.

A midfield of can, Henderson and Milner doesn't have any exclusively attacking player to cover, they will all get back when they need to.

Emre Can is a very good all rounder, he can play as the deepest but he won't be stuck there. He isn't a traditional 'DM' because he also has the game to charge forward beat a couple of men and score.

the versatility of that trio should be seen as a strength, it will make the team less predictable when trying to break down bus parking fodder. The success of it wont be down to whether Lucas stays or goes or whether we sign a new DM, will be down to how intelligently they can work together, switch and cover each other.

this is all very true. they could all get back, but there isnt a tough tackle in henderson, and not too much in milner either. can bosses the holding role a bit better.

the thing with lucas is he only really excels as the dm. his odd forays as a box to box midfielder and his occasional attempts at shooting are best forgotten.

if we had someone like medal come in as a replacement for lucas he could more than adequately cover the dm role if we need to tighten up, but he can also rotate and play box to box better than lucas or allen.

if lucas went and we did get medal then he would be my first choice as the more defensive midfielder with can covering, and then the two more advanced mids would be hendo and milner with can covering.

[Lecter]

A team doesn't necessarily need a 'DM' if it has midfielders who are athletic and intelligent enough.

People are only clamouring for one because most teams have a version of one.

A midfield of can, Henderson and Milner doesn't have any exclusively attacking player to cover, they will all get back when they need to.

Emre Can is a very good all rounder, he can play as the deepest but he won't be stuck there. He isn't a traditional 'DM' because he also has the game to charge forward beat a couple of men and score.

the versatility of that trio should be seen as a strength, it will make the team less predictable when trying to break down bus parking fodder. The success of it wont be down to whether Lucas stays or goes or whether we sign a new DM, will be down to how intelligently they can work together, switch and cover each other.

This is so difficult to do imo

For me you have to have a dedicated / nominated holding player. Allowing too much fluidity will no doubt in my mind create an issue

We will end up in a position where there is doubt as to who should fill in, when you have that level of doubt it leads to disaster

As I said previously I cant think of ANY side that operates with the midfield just filling in adhoc. Virtually ALL sides play with a nominated / dedicated holding / sitting / deeper player

[The_weatherman]

This is so difficult to do imo

For me you have to have a dedicated / nominated holding player. Allowing too much fluidity will no doubt in my mind create an issue

We will end up in a position where there is doubt as to who should fill in, when you have that level of doubt it leads to disaster

As I said previously I cant think of ANY side that operates with the midfield just filling in adhoc. Virtually ALL sides play with a nominated / dedicated holding / sitting / deeper player

At least most successful sides do it I think. This position is still underrated, a good DM/HM can make the whole back four look good.

[Mattshark]

At least most successful sides do it I think. This position is still underrated, a good DM/HM can make the whole back four look good.

[Corndog]

This is so difficult to do imo

For me you have to have a dedicated / nominated holding player. Allowing too much fluidity will no doubt in my mind create an issue

We will end up in a position where there is doubt as to who should fill in, when you have that level of doubt it leads to disaster

As I said previously I cant think of ANY side that operates with the midfield just filling in adhoc. Virtually ALL sides play with a nominated / dedicated holding / sitting / deeper player

You are right, it's very hard to do, that's why I think most teams don't, it requires great intelligence. Ajax is probably still the best example of a team that can have players all over the pitch switching and covering each other constantly.

But if it can be done, it's an advantage. Players will still have roles but without being so strictly pigeon-holed into them.

[Bender]

@ViktorFagerLFC: Lucas Leiva is a target for Juventus. #LFC (Paul Joyce)
@ViktorFagerLFC: Inter Milan also remain interested Lucas Leiva. (Paul Joyce) #LFC

[TheElephantMan]

@ViktorFagerLFC: Lucas Leiva is a target for Juventus. #LFC (Paul Joyce)
@ViktorFagerLFC: Inter Milan also remain interested Lucas Leiva. (Paul Joyce) #LFC

I'm sure they'd rather buy Joe Allen if he was available.

[spider-neil]

I personally think for the majority of Lucas' time at Liverpool he has been average, not poor not great, just average. But that 4 game run just before he had his first big injury in the Chelsea game I thought he was approaching world class with 4 stunning performances in a row . He absolutely dominates Yaya Touré in the City game. A crying shame about the injury. So if you are being harsh you could call that small sample of brilliance a purple patch because the rest of the time Lucas is giving you no more than 7/10.

[Slinky Skills]

Do you know what, he's one of the few players I could actually give a **** about it and he's been treated like **** here which is wrong.

I hope he finds a decent club whereby he can see out the remainder of his career as he's clearly a well liked individual and still has a lot to offer.

Wish him the best of luck.

[Boogs]

How's he been treated like ****?

He's had some bad injuries and the manager doesn't currently see him in the squad so is not playing him. It's not as if he's not being paid.

There was swarms of people on here who wanted rid 2-3 years ago.

[Scratch]

Got to agree, I'm one of Lucas' biggest fans, but in no way has he been treated like ****, he's just not seen as a vital piece in how Rodgers wants to set up his team, but is not willing to be a "bit part" player. If we wanted to treat him like ****, we'd tell him he's not going anywhere, and reject any offers that come in. But we've obviously told him the score, and if he choses to leave we won't stand in his way.