Lucas

[BootRoom]

I'm not sure you want to go here.

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1819723&postcount=165

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1827735&postcount=7044

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1826766&postcount=6791

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1787953&postcount=179

Do you Gorby?

Are you trying to get me hoofed off the forum by accusing me of being a previously banned member? I am not a big, skin-headed Slovak so dial your obsession down a few degrees.

[Assassin]

Carthorse Carragher.

Fourhoofsprungtechnic

[Lee]

Carthorse Carragher.

[Chris]

I blame Skrtel.

I'm not sure you want to go here.

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1819723&postcount=165

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1827735&postcount=7044

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1826766&postcount=6791

http://www.est1892.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=1787953&postcount=179

Do you Gorby?

[dom9]

Wouldn't surprise me if he went to RM; Rafa always admired his work.

Playing Gerrard at Right Midfield at the peak of career was controversial enough. But Lucas? Even Rafa isn't that brave.

[danperkins]

[BootRoom]

You evidently don't watch much football but perhaps you've already missed Henderson being one of the most productive CM's in the league over the last year or so.

I blame Skrtel.

[Chris]

They'll have to start weighing in with goals and clear-cut chances created if this apparent trade-off between defence and attack is going to bear fruit. Last year the midfield was woeful in providing any sort of defensive cover and also poor at launching attacks, hence the abysmal goal-scoring record.

You evidently don't watch much football but perhaps you've already missed Henderson being one of the most productive CM's in the league over the last year or so.

[danperkins]

They'll have to start weighing in with goals and clear-cut chances created if this apparent trade-off between defence and attack is going to bear fruit. Last year the midfield was woeful in providing any sort of defensive cover and also poor at launching attacks, hence the abysmal goal-scoring record.

absolutely & if Henderson & Milner are too busy covering beside around Can... surely that will effect their production?

I suppose it all depends on how confident we are to leave Can back there on his own. He's a bit more mobile than Steven but I wouldn't say their defensive abilities are much different. I suppose we'll find out over the next few games if Milner and Henderson are too busy covering the defensive areas to get forward and support the front men. Actually in the Stoke game when Can came on, within two mins Henderson was bombing into the box, was great to see. Whether or not he can do that against the better sides we'll see.

IMO this formation and setup relies heavily on the legs of Henderson & Milner.

[danperkins]

Very good post.

Also given the number of games we have to pay this season - I really cannot see Can,Milner & Henderson - playing their pressing game to max effectiveness in all games they start. Also if we remove one of the three due to injury or tiredness - I would rather have Lucas than Allen. At the very least he provides a defensive base and the other 2 can focus on their natural game - moving the ball forward.

[BootRoom]

IMO it is arrogant of us to think that we can go this season without a dedicated DM in the squad. Managers that are tactically better than Hughes will find ways in and around those 3.

In saying that, if that is the way to go, I fully expect a huge improvement in performance and fitness from Can,Milner & Henderson. I get there will be a hell of alot of energy and pressing in there. I just don't like the fact the none of these lads are defensive midfielders & all of these lads are very naturally progressive and can cause opposition problems when going forward. I'm saying it's square pegs in round holes again like last season but I do fear it stifles all 3 players natural game & that maybe we could benefit more in a setup where we play to their strengths.

They'll have to start weighing in with goals and clear-cut chances created if this apparent trade-off between defence and attack is going to bear fruit. Last year the midfield was woeful in providing any sort of defensive cover and also poor at launching attacks, hence the abysmal goal-scoring record.

[SK]

Just because no one else is doing something doesn't make it a bad choice. Who else was playing a diamond a couple of seasons back?

AC Mi!an with Kaka behind Sheva and Inzaghi comes to mind..

[BootRoom]

Get shut of Lucas and keep Allen. Nice logic, Brendan.

[Fosterbloke]

Just because no one else is doing something doesn't make it a bad choice. Who else was playing a diamond a couple of seasons back?

I'm pretty sure Rodgers has assessed various formations and player combinations to see that Lucas doesn't fit with the long term vision. Maybe he does but wants more playing time?

[peekay]

IMO it is arrogant of us to think that we can go this season without a dedicated DM in the squad. Managers that are tactically better than Hughes will find ways in and around those 3.

In saying that, if that is the way to go, I fully expect a huge improvement in performance and fitness from Can,Milner & Henderson. I get there will be a hell of alot of energy and pressing in there. I just don't like the fact the none of these lads are defensive midfielders & all of these lads are very naturally progressive and can cause opposition problems when going forward. I'm saying it's square pegs in round holes again like last season but I do fear it stifles all 3 players natural game & that maybe we could benefit more in a setup where we play to their strengths.

Very good post.

Also given the number of games we have to pay this season - I really cannot see Can,Milner & Henderson - playing their pressing game to max effectiveness in all games they start. Also if we remove one of the three due to injury or tiredness - I would rather have Lucas than Allen. At the very least he provides a defensive base and the other 2 can focus on their natural game - moving the ball forward.