Lucas

[Red_Polo]

He's been made the scapegoat for a poor midfield performance today. Think he should be Gerrard's understudy and struggles when played a bit further forward. Rodgers for whatever reason didn't think Can was ready to play this game, but I'd have had Allen in there ahead of Lucas.

So you think he struggles in that role, you would prefer someone else to play there, but you also feel he has been made an escape goat?

Isn't the criticism he has had, largely what you have just said yourself?

[Fredo]

No, I meant it wasn't solely his fault that we struggled today. He was part of the problem, but he didn't really ask to be played there, or whatever instructions he was given today. It's not the first time he's been asked to play a similar role and each time struggled.

I like Lucas and I'd like him to stay and provide competition to the midfield, especially Stevie's position. But obviously Can and to a lesser degree Allen can play there. It was quite a big statement that Rodgers started with him today but also a strange one as no one expected him to play in that position.

[Red_Polo]

No, I meant it wasn't solely his fault that we struggled today. He was part of the problem, but he didn't really ask to be played there, or whatever instructions he was given today. It's not the first time he's been asked to play a similar role and each time struggled.

I like Lucas and I'd like him to stay and provide competition to the midfield, especially Stevie's position. But obviously Can and to a lesser degree Allen can play there. It was quite a big statement that Rodgers started with him today but also a strange one as no one expected him to play in that position.

Oh yeah, it definitely wasn't the only reason.

I just don't think, apart from the odd bell that you always get, people have been unfairly critical of Lucas' performance in that role.

I was surprised to see him start too. I hope he won't be persevered with to play there ahead of better options, but there's always a chance that it was either part of experimenting with the formation and/or down to the fitness of other players. Like you, I'd much rather have Allen or Can there.

[BigChief]

Its quite clear Gerrard needs legs around him (runners) and that means Henderson, Can and Allen. Stevie actually did well for what he brings to the team (control and passing range). But he was often having to do too much running because Lucas couldn't in the second half.

I think Brendan's giving Lucas a last chance to prove himself and its only making him look worse. Allen will not be behind him in the pecking order for a league or CL game again. Can should be ready in about 2/3 weeks too.

[Roland]

He's not garbage but doesn't suit are formation anymore. He was poor today and looks surplus to requirements.

Nail on head. Gerrard play in the position that is the only position Lucas can deliver in.

He is played out of position. Why keep a player that will never get a fair chance?

[rodo]

think lucas will be lucky to get 10 games this season for us just not anywhere near the same player sadly

[Gazzla]

He ran out of legs in the second half, first half i didn't think he was anywhere near as bad as is being portrayed on hehe

[Exiled_red]

He ran out of legs in the second half, first half i didn't think he was anywhere near as bad as is being portrayed on hehe

I thought he was decent early on but struggled later on.

The problem for me is that a large part of the role he does in replicating Gerrard's role. Neither Gerrard nor Lucas have the legs they used to, so for me they both can't play in a 3 man midfield as we will lack energy and running. For me it's one or the other with two high energy players alongside them. Obviously Gerrard is ahead of Lucas in the peaking order.

I feel sorry for him because he was reaching a great level before he got injured, since then he has been unable to get back to where he was and Gerrard has developed into that role, it doesn't look like there is a way back for him.

[Tee]

He ran out of legs in the second half, first half i didn't think he was anywhere near as bad as is being portrayed on hehe

Looks like he will not be able to reach the level he was at before his injury. Sad but true. Would like to have seen the more physical Emre Can come in to counter the Southampton midfield.

[meffin]

Seems a nice guy but a complete liability and nowhere near good enough. If we can get any sort of money for him then sell, as he isn't even good enough as a squad player.

[RichC]

Nail on head. Gerrard play in the position that is the only position Lucas can deliver in.

He is played out of position. Why keep a player that will never get a fair chance?

He's had his chances Arnold Roland in the system we play he's not dynamic enough and we have better options in Allen, Henderson and Can.

A move to Italy would suit his very limited mobility

[SB]

He's had his chances Arnold Roland in the system we play he's not dynamic enough and we have better options in Allen, Henderson and Can.

A move to Italy would suit his very limited mobility

What was the clue? 38 posts in a day?

[ric.williams]

Feel sorry for him. Those injuries have ****ed him.

[Red_Polo]

Nail on head. Gerrard play in the position that is the only position Lucas can deliver in.

He is played out of position. Why keep a player that will never get a fair chance?

If we get not suitable offers might he not be a valuable backup?

[Rowan]

If we get not suitable offers might he not be a valuable backup?

After yesterday I'm not sure what he offers that we don't already have covered in the squad. Can Can or Allen not do what Lucas has left in his injury plundered locker just as well?

Saw a story about us being interested in Song yesterday. If we could get him in and Lucas out at Net then it would be ace business.