Lucas

[Lee]

I don't really get this. He's one of the best eleven players in Brazil. Brazil!

All right, I know there are lots of different ways to look at it and that's just one but I do think it's worth bearing in mind. Manchester United have won the league where one of their most important players is Scotland's best player.

I'm not saying Lucas is the best in the world but I really don't think he's anywhere near the top of the list when it comes to our current players who need to be relegated to the status of squad filler, now or any time soon.

Well said

I'd like to see him have a couple of games playing further up the pitch though, much like he used to when he played for Gremio.

Developing into a fine holding player though.

[banditos]

Although I do think that the lack of an athletic or physical presence in midfield presents some problems (obviously these are characteristics usually associated with holding players). Lucas and Meireles have a lot of qualities but we need to make some strategic decision about how to balance out their less strong points going forward.

I'll be interesting to see if we look to add strong players or more players with good technique and a more quick pass and move mentality.

He's bulked up a fair bit in the last couple of years and can hold his own physically against most other midfielders. He's no Papa Buba Diop, but still strong enough to throw a bit of weight around when needed.

[dww]

He's bulked up a fair bit in the last couple of years and can hold his own physically against most other midfielders. He's no Papa Buba Diop, but still strong enough to throw a bit of weight around when needed.

He holds his own fine. He just doesn't impose himself. Which isn't necessarily a problem so long as either a/ we can hold the ball and press as a team a la Barcelona/Arsenal or b/ someone else can provide the physical power. If he was paired with a fully fit Gerrard it would be fine. At the minute picking from Spearing, Meireles and Maxi to fill the midfield I think we struggle at times.

[alunevans]

Well said

I'd like to see him have a couple of games playing further up the pitch though, much like he used to when he played for Gremio.

Developing into a fine holding player though.

I'd like to see him higher up the pitch too.

I remain unconvinced by him personally, but he always seems happier coming forward than holding to me.

[Shaggy]

Laughably under-rated and under-appreciated. Great news, he will be a mainstay for years to come.

[Redspin]

Good news. Excellent squad player if we sign the players to move back to where we belong.

He's not just a squad player filling in here and there is he? He's been our best midfield player this season and last by some distance. If only poster-boy Gerrard had been half as good as Lucas we'd be right in the mix.

Anyway, I've been in Asia for a month and I can't see the inimitable Craig H anywhere. I miss his barmy self-important views in a weird way. So what's happened to him?

[Neil Young]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

[IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

I was thinking that myself.

[RichC]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

[Red_Polo]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

[Lee]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

[Assassin]

Lucas Leiva has made more tackles in the Barclays Premier League than any other player this season.

Eight challenges against Manchester City took the Brazilian's total to 139 for the 2010-11 campaign, according to Opta stats.

[Redspin]

Bad timing for you then. Craig has been in exile - mainly self-imposed - for about a month and returned in the last day or so.

Thinking about it, it's a mighty strange coincidence you've both been off the site at the same time. You and Craig aren't the same person are you? I know the two of you don't get along but it wouldn't surprise me at all if Craig had started feuding with himself.

So part of his absence wasn't self-imposed then? My reason for being away is that I've beentravelling abroad (avoid Singapore - I had to pay between 6 and 8 quid for a pint) and am now house-hunting in England with all my stuff in storage, including my computer. So I've got to fanny around on the mobile phone for now to look on here and posting is more laborious than using a proper keyboard

I don't think anyone gets on or not with people on forums as none of it's real. I don't know the lad for one thing, but I do like a bit of light banter

[Mattshark]

Lucas Leiva has made more tackles in the Barclays Premier League than any other player this season.

Eight challenges against Manchester City took the Brazilian's total to 139 for the 2010-11 campaign, according to Opta stats.

But Lee Catermole is sooo much better!

Yes I'm being sarcastic and mocking someone in doing so.

[Mostar]

Very good game yesterday.