Lucas

[RedReet]

Lucks is too sloppy to play the holding midfielder role. Short term we have no other options.


He does have the ability, but every time he gets injured it takes him months to hit former. And then he gets Injured again.

It's a shame as he is a great guy. I just think injuries have taken their toll, and with our defence we need someone who is 100% reliable.

Sloppy?

[Charly]

Sorry. New phone. No idea how to switch off predictive text.

Sloppy... gives the ball away when under no pressure. I think its a consentration thing.

[Assassin]

Sorry. New phone. No idea how to switch off predictive text.

Sloppy... texting when under no pressure. I think its a constipation thing.

[DannyMan2006]

I like Lucas, but there is a noticeable drop off in the last 15 minutes with him. I don't know if it's purely a fitness thing, or if it's because he's always booked and can't stick a leg out.

People have pointed out that he covers a great distance, I can't argue with that. I'm sure he puts in a lot of hard work in the middle of the pitch. But people misread my point. Im not saying he's the least fit in our squad, just that in the last 15 his standards slip.

For me, it's something that he really needs to work on.

[RedReet]

Sorry. New phone. No idea how to switch off predictive text.

Sloppy... gives the ball away when under no pressure. I think its a consentration thing.

That's not even remotely true mate.

[RedReet]

I like Lucas, but there is a noticeable drop off in the last 15 minutes with him. I don't know if it's purely a fitness thing, or if it's because he's always booked and can't stick a leg out.

People have pointed out that he covers a great distance, I can't argue with that. I'm sure he puts in a lot of hard work in the middle of the pitch. But people misread my point. Im not saying he's the least fit in our squad, just that in the last 15 his standards slip.

For me, it's something that he really needs to work on.

Surely if that was the case then Klopp would notice this and rectify the situation? I thought it was telling that Klopp kept him on after the Ramires challenge when most people were calling for him to be taken off long before that, especially with the likes of Allen available on the bench. Some people think that Lucas is just filling in because there is no one else available, but I think Klopp really rates him.

[dww]

It would be interesting to see a breakdown of stats on Lucas over a match. If there is any change in the last 15 minutes, I suspect that part of the problem is that as the team tires Lucas has more to do and that the things he has to do require more effort.

[Kenneth]

Surely if that was the case then Klopp would notice this and rectify the situation? I thought it was telling that Klopp kept him on after the Ramires challenge when most people were calling for him to be taken off long before that, especially with the likes of Allen available on the bench. Some people think that Lucas is just filling in because there is no one else available, but I think Klopp really rates him.

We have one defensive midfielder in our first team squad. It's ****ing ridiculous.

[Buzzo]

Klopps arrival has saved our best and most experienced player from leaving. I think he would go up a level if he was the captain, he has learned from the best (Stevie).

He has every attribute I would want in a captain, with Sakho as VC I'd be happy if they were leading the team.

[Charly]

We have one defensive midfielder in our first team squad. It's ****ing ridiculous.

Lucks was not bought as a defensive midfielder. He converted under hodges on, I think.

If we had got a specialised dm then Rogers may still have been in charge

He has every attribute I would want in a captain, with Sakho as VC I'd be happy if they were leading the team.

[wiw]

Did he play a bit further forward than Can against Chelsea or did I imagine that?

[danperkins]

Lucks was not bought as a defensive midfielder. He converted under hodges on, I think.

If we had got a specialised dm then Rogers may still have been in charge

Converted under Rafa & a very good DM at that too

[rudedog]

Lucas on Rafa from an interview earlier this year :

He brought me to Liverpool and helped me to develop as a player. When I first came to the club the expectation was really high. I’m Brazilian but not everyone is a really skilful player like Romario or Ronaldinho . At the time I wasn’t ready to play in the Premier League. My body wasn’t ready. That’s why Rafa is one of the most important people for me. He gave me games and that’s the only way you improve. It’s hard when you are getting criticised but I wouldn’t change anything about my career at Liverpool. I’ve got no problem with the people who didn’t like me before. I knew I had to improve to make the fans change their opinion of me. There will be more difficult times but I’ll handle them.

[Cormack74]

That's not even remotely true mate.

It's does sound a touch harsh

[Charly]

Converted under Rafa & a very good DM at that too

Perhaps. I don't really remember him getting a good run in the team in that position under Rafa. I do remember several good performances but not in that role. What can I say. I am getting old.

What I do remember is him being played there consistently by Hodgeson and looked awesome, right up until his injury. Then on his comeback being awful in possession for quite a while (and that position is not a forgiving one if you give the ball away). The moment he looked back to his best he got injured again. This pattern seems to be repeating, and I don't think he is by any means an amazing defensive midfielder. It is certainly the position I have ben clamouring for a replacement since Mascherano left, probably to the point of obsession.

Perhaps Klopp can coach him back to his best. I think he can pass quite well when he is on his game and the rest is positional, which I think he does read that game well. I don't think he can tackle well, but I think positional you can make up for that.

I am not convinced that Lucas is not more suited to playing further forward though (sorry for the double negative, kettle just boiled)...

Its probably just an age thing, and a "romantic" view of when we had Didi's "German Steel" anchoring our midfield, and having similar expectations with Klopp, and finally correcting what I regard as being the biggest tactical flaw with the team since Rafa left.

I got nothing against Lucas though. He reminds me of Danny Murphy under Houlier, who at times could be awful, but when his mid is totally focused on the game would become godlike. He is probably the most likeable guy in the squad. Seems to have no ego whatsoever.

Not sure if that makes him captain material though. I think a captains need to be seen to be more passionate or aggressive. I know myself, as I am very laid back, and don't explode in anger if something does not go my way that people accuse me of not caring, when that's bollocks. But there is no doubt that that those flashes of passion can ignite the crowd and team mates.

I do reckon that Lucas could turn out to be a very good coach, or manager in the Houllier or Benitez mould. Quiet but tactically astute. would need an attack dog to serve as his assistant though. Maybe a Carragher type, if he gets bored of the media. As romantic as having Gerrard back on staff, I think Lucas seems to be the most likely from our current playing staff.

Sorry, that went on a bit. My point was that I don't think he is a great (or reliable) defensive midfielder, but I still love the guy (need to go and boil the kettle again now)...