The stats that prove how crucial Lucas is – Brazilian tops tackles & interceptions charts

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The South American has added steel and determination to the side…

Brendan Rodgers was right to bring Lucas back into the side, with the long-standing servant deserving to start every game right now.

A month or so back, he was deemed surplus to requirements, with his lack of creativity and immobility affecting his chances of a spot in the side.

Recently though, he’s been selected to play alongside Steven Gerrard and offer our skipper defensive protection in the centre – and these statistics prove how valuable he’s been.

Lucas has the best statistics in the squad for tackles, interceptions and midfielder clearances.

Tackles:

1) Lucas – 4 per game
2) Javier Manquillo – 3 per game
3) Alberto Moreno – 2.8 per game

Interceptions:

1) Lucas – 2.3 per game
2) Javier Manquillo – 2.2 per game
3) Martin Skrtel – 1.8 per game

Clearances (not including defenders):

1) Lucas – 3.3 per game
2) Steven Gerrard – 1.8 per game
3) Jordan Henderson – 1.4 per game

Clearly, the 27-year-old offers a combative presence in the centre that far outweighs his lack of creative contribution.

Interestingly, his 0.4 key passes per game is only 0.2 less than Joe Allen anyway, and he completes more passes per game than the Welshman, too.

Do these stats show that Lucas should be starting over Allen automatically at the base of midfield…?

(Courtesy of WhoScored)

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