Lucas

[RedReet]

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)...

I think your memory is playing tricks on you again.

[Charly]

I think your memory is playing tricks on you again.

OR was it Dalglish?

I am not joking about the memory, I have been to see my doctor and had all sorts of brain scans, and tests.

At this point I could almost imagine we have been successful the past 20 years, and start believing it.

I used to look back on life in terms of football seasons and knew what I was doing at the time. I have trouble remembering more than a couple of games back now (I am not even 40 yet).

So go (relatively) easy on me. Just nod and remind me of the time we won the quadruple a couple of seasons back, and the sublime football of Zidane and Ronaldo that caused Anfield to shake, and that will keep me on a high for hours.

[RedReet]

OR was it Dalglish?

I am not joking about the memory, I have been to see my doctor and had all sorts of brain scans, and tests.

At this point I could almost imagine we have been successful the past 20 years, and start believing it.

I used to look back on life in terms of football seasons and knew what I was doing at the time. I have trouble remembering more than a couple of games back now (I am not even 40 yet).

So go (relatively) easy on me. Just nod and remind me of the time we won the quadruple a couple of seasons back, and the sublime football of Zidane and Ronaldo that caused Anfield to shake, and that will keep me on a high for hours.

Haha, my memory is **** too mate, I put that down to booze, but hope yours is nothing serious and the scans came back clear.

Ask me about a match last week and I'll come up blank, but from 2005-2011 I spent too much time on here and watching football, so I'm just about able to recall that.

Anyway, when Alonso, left Lucas took his place and played most of that season in midfield during Rafa's last season. Hodgson then came in, bought Poulsen and told Lucas he was free to leave, but obviously he stayed and won his place back. Kenny then came in, Lucas continued playing well until that injury against Chelsea the following year.

[Charly]

Haha, my memory is **** too mate, I put that down to booze, but hope yours is nothing serious and the scans came back clear.

Ask me about a match last week and I'll come up blank, but from 2005-2011 I spent too much time on here and watching football, so I'm just about able to recall that.

Anyway, when Alonso, left Lucas took his place and played most of that season in midfield during Rafa's last season. Hodgson then came in, bought Poulsen and told Lucas he was free to leave, but obviously he stayed and won his place back. Kenny then came in, Lucas continued playing well until that injury against Chelsea the following year.

Yeah, but.... uhhh???

Didn't Lucas play further forward until Mascherano left, after Rafa had left the club?. That's how I remembered it. Lucas only started to play the holding midfield after Bodge took over, when it became crystal clear even to him that Poulsen was a ****house. Honestly though, I may have just dreamt that.

That's why I meant its not Lucas' natural position. In Brazil I think he was very attack minded. He settled under Benitez and a jack of all trades, who coud do a job, and then seemed to excel at holding until the injury. But anyway...

I was going to mention on the other "haircut" thread that I thought Fowlers best years where when he was blonde, but I think I will keep quiet, cause I may have been thinking about Diouf instead...

[Myo]

Yeah, but.... uhhh???

Didn't Lucas play further forward until Mascherano left, after Rafa had left the club?. That's how I remembered it. Lucas only started to play the holding midfield after Bodge took over, when it became crystal clear even to him that Poulsen was a ****house. Honestly though, I may have just dreamt that.

That's why I meant its not Lucas' natural position. In Brazil I think he was very attack minded. He settled under Benitez and a jack of all trades, who coud do a job, and then seemed to excel at holding until the injury. But anyway...

I was going to mention on the other "haircut" thread that I thought Fowlers best years where when he was blonde, but I think I will keep quiet, cause I may have been thinking about Diouf instead...

i think your mind is playing tricks on ya again... nah, lucas was the natural sub for Alonso, but not for mash or gerrard most of the time, hence he was more than likely to be playing in a more deeper position (yes he was more of a box to box in brazil, but when he came over here he was always going to stick to the mid to the defence part of the pitch), but yeah i do agree he grew and made that position his own from that last year with rafa and into bodge...

[Charly]

I am not disputing everyone elses memory, but once we signed Masch, Alonso moved a bit further forward, while still sitting, was not really playing a defensive midfield position

Thus:

[Mattshark]

I am not disputing everyone elses memory, but once we signed Masch, Alonso moved a bit further forward, while still sitting, was not really playing a defensive midfield position

Thus:

Should be Arbeloa, not Johnson.

[Charly]

Should be Arbeloa, not Johnson.

Good point, was not my graphic though. I had to sweat from my balls to find a graphic for that period

[Chazza]

Lucas: Jurgen Klopp has given me 'new energy' at Liverpool FC

Brazilian talks of fresh start under German and being in one of "best phases" of his Anfield career

Lucas Leiva has praised Jurgen Klopp for giving him “new energy” with the midfielder enjoying one of the best times of his Liverpool career.

Lucas is the current squad’s longest-serving player having joined in the summer of 2007 from Gremio, with Klopp the fifth manager he has worked under at Anfield.

The Brazilian has featured in all seven games since the arrival of the new boss, starting all four Premier League games.

And the 28-year-old said: “The arrival of Klopp has given me a new energy. He shows he has enough confidence in me.

“Since he has arrived, we’ve had seven games in four weeks. It’s a high number, but he has managed to give the team a different face.

“I have learned a lot from him. He is very demanding, but has clear ideas about football. I have gotten along well with him in the first month.

“He is a pretty straightforward guy, as I imagined from knowing German culture, but he is open too.

“I feel close (to him), knowing he is the boss.”

Lucas was seemingly on his way out of the club in August until then-manager Brendan Rodgers had a change of heart and gave him a starting role in the goalless draw at Arsenal.

His Anfield career enjoyed a new highlight last week when, for the first time, he was named captain for a Premier League game for the visit of Crystal Palace.

“Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not playing, so I took the captain’s armband,” said Lucas, speaking to Globo Esporte of Brazil.

“It was a very special moment for me. I’ve been at Liverpool many years so I know how important it is to be captain of Liverpool.

“Unfortunately the result (against Palace) wasn’t the best, but it was still a special moment.

“I’ve had great times at the club, but this has really been one of my best phases of my years at Liverpool.

“I’ve been here many years and managed to get the respect of the fans, but in the beginning it was very complicated.

“I had a very difficult start and really had to change people’s opinions. I wasn’t prepared. But I had the willpower, and had coaches that helped me evolve.

“I identify very strongly with Liverpool now, and I’m in my ninth season.”

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lucas-jurgen-klopp-given-new-10447778

[danperkins]

Legend

[kingfunk]

Lucas

Should be our vice captain.

[danperkins]

Personally I would have had him captain originally but yup he should definitely be our vice captain. If Lucas can keep fit for the whole season, I think alot of people will be very surprised at how good he can be as a DM. Hugely important and specialist position that not many can grasp.

[little dave hedgehog]

lucas

[Darkon]

Should be Arbeloa, not Johnson.

Focusing on the important part

[McDermotX]

Good Lord !

Lucas Leiva, Alberto Moreno and Joao Carlos Teixeira will be at the helm of Liverpoolfc.com and the club's official social media channels on Thursday as they take over our online output.

For one morning only, the trio will be in charge of the Reds’ digital platforms and will be entrusted with providing updates for supporters direct from Melwood ahead of their scheduled training session.

Lucas will act as editor of Liverpoolfc.com, with Moreno and Teixeira reporting to the Brazilian as his journalist team.

Of course, with complete editorial control, the lads will have the option to create some light-hearted content for readers to enjoy, and they will also be in command of the club’s Twitter and Instagram feeds.

So make sure you’re logged on from 10am on Thursday morning for Lucas, Moreno and Teixeira’s two-hour takeover!