Sometimes, I can be a bit over-critical of some of the Reds’ players, and even Rafa (who I am not a huge fan of). But if there is one player who has boggled my mind to why he is ever in the squad is Lucas Pezzini Leiva.
Liverpool has some serious issues right now in the squad. Much of it comes from Xabi’s departure, injuries, beach balls and some lackluster play throughout. But as Liverpool fans do whenever we hit a rough patch, a degree of panic sets in.
Fans can say whatever they want regarding how this team will get out of its’ rut and get back into the title race, but what I feel needs to be addressed is the midfield.
Everyone knows Gerrard, Mascherano, Benayoun and sometimes, even Kuyt in some form roam the midfield. I have no problems with any of these players, and they are all vital to our hopes, but whenever Lucas’ name is mentioned, I get a headache.
Lucas has made 12 appearances for the Reds so far this season, nine in the Premier League and three in the Champions League. He hasn’t scored, and according to ESPN Soccernet, he hasn’t had an assist. Now, one cannot base good play only on goal and assist production, but Lucas never has seemed to fit in this squad. He is not a good decision-maker, and frequently interrupts the flow of play.
Even in the loss to Lyon, Lucas was on the pitch according to the lineup, but where was he when we needed plays? Last season, it was scary to see him on the pitch, because his poor form would do nothing but hold this club back. He just doesn’t do enough to earn the time he sees. Liverpool has a very talented squad, even an elite squad. So why should we be wasting time on a player that is not a leader, playmaker, or lock-down midfielder?
Rafa still has good players to select while Gerrard is out, and even when he is healthy.
In a healthy squad, Lucas doesn’t fit. Even in a thin squad, he just cannot make enough of an impact. I really see no point in him being on the bench, let alone starting with the Liverbird on his chest.
Hopefully when Gerrard and Torres are both healthy, and Aquilani makes his debut, Rafa will be able to find places for Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt, Benayoun, and Aquilani to all be on the pitch at the same time. If this can happen, it will be very, very difficult to stop Liverpool. If not, we might be in for a long season.
-Chris Boulay
I know Lucas isnt the best mate, but when a player isnt playing to his best, cheer his name even louder and louder. He has good games and most importantly, he shows his appreciation and his dedication. I know hes not a house hold name, but every team has quiet players who do there job, and try to do more. Lets support him and be positive. Rafa also is our manager, we need him and cant change now.
Get over it mate…
Well said Chris….I agree. As much as I am behind the team 100% I think some of Rafa’s decision making has been shocking. Lucas just doesnt make the cut and shouldnt be on the squad. There are many other ways we can fill that void. Spearing would even be a better choice…I think.
We need solutions and we need it fast!!
Y.N.W.A
Alonso v Lucas last 33 games –
Goals 3–1
Pass% 85%-85%
Tackle% 70%-73%
Interceptions 43–55
Chances created 66–25
yes, he might be not too offensive. but, in term of defense, i don’t see much different from Xabi and Lucas. that may give stability in midfield when many player going forward
I think he can fit well next to Masch, sort of like Denilson did next to Song.
Aside from the common critizsicm i believe he does have the quality, he just needs to hit a fine vien of form and he will stay playing well in my opionion,
I think this is slightly unfair on Lucas. In a team that is playing poorly I see him as one of the most consistent reliable performers. Against Sunderland he was a player who didn’t misplace a pass, unlike most of the team to who were failing to make simple passes. He has outplayed both Gerrard and the monster this season, he is improving every season and will be a very good squad player. You expect him to outshine arguably the best attacking and defensive mids in the world. That’s too much pressure. As a team we need to keep it simple when our confidence is low, he is the only one who doesn’t seem flustered at the moment. He may not be a Liverpool legend but I feel he will play a role in bringing number 19.
The thing is, Rafa’s hands are tied behind his back with Lucas. With Aquilani out injured we have to rely on a back-up central midfielder, which is exactly what Lucas is, a backup.
We don’t have anyone else, Spearing was given his make or break chance against Sunderland and didn’t take it, meaning Lucas and Mascherano are the best choice in the central position until Alberto is fit.
Lucas hasn’t had a bad season so far, he’s had some very convincing games and has show general signs of improvement. Steven Gerrard has had a much worse start to the season, yet you don’t see people picking him out. The reason everyone picks Lucas out is because he is a scapegoat, used to beat Rafa with despite the fact he’s not the problem.
Whilst i do agree with you that he is useless what options are there beyond Gerrard, Benayoun, Kuyt, Mascarano (spelling!), and Aquilani does he have? none (babel a 5 out of 10 player at best), our sqaud is far from elite. A better description would be thin.
lucas will never be as good as world class players like alonso or mascherano. but premier league stats show that he has made the second most tackles in the league, 10 more than darren flecher. also he is only playing at the moment as a replacement for the injured aquilani and not as a direct relacement for alonso. as a fan of the club you should support the players no matter how good/bad they are.
I disagree with you on this, we should be supporting our players.
Lucas is not Kaka but he has improved a lot over the last year.
Lucas does not get injured, he is always fit and ready to go.
He has been a good servant of the club.
I agree with Antoine. As much as I give out about Lucas, we have to get behind the team regardless of who is playing.
Lucas’ suffers from the fact that he is not a typical Brazilian midfielder. Remember he is young and if Rafa, Stevie G and Carra are right, there is more to from Lucas. He doesn’t do a lot wrong but we need an attack minded CM with vision and range of passing similar to Alonso.
Perhaps we should nickname him The Crab because of his tendancy to play sideways balls!
I expect more from this site then this sort of player bashing that normally appears on other sites.
Lucas is a defensive midfielder he is not going to have a lot of assists or goals that is what Stevie, Yossi and Kuyt are for.
Lucas and Masch are there to block up the midfield and hopefully(not always as we have seen this season) stop the other team from attacking.
He can’t ping a 5o yard pass like Xabi but he isn’t there to do that.
Oh and one more MAJOR point please don’t use the term “PLAYS” when you are talking about football, it doesn’t register! This is not a anti American thing I am interested in Basketball and American Football and have no issue with the term “Plays” in those sports as they are geared towards this, FOOTBALL IS NOT.
@Prashun I can’t believe you would say Spearing should be played above Lucas. I’m not player bashing but from what I’ve seen of Spearing Lucas is STREETS AHEAD OF HIM mate
Please see my latest post.
http://www.empireofthekop.com/anfield/?p=5241
Sorry the author sound like a closet Manure supporter. You shouldn´t knock individual players this does nothing to advance our cause.
If you are not then read the words of our Anthem YNWA.
I see him making tackles but I very rarely see him winning the ball so whats the point really??
@Sheinzy….Opinion noted….although I feel Lucas isnt going to get much better and clearly we need to make changes so maybe they should give Spearing a few games, I for one see great potential in the lad. I think with more 1st team starts he will grow in leaps and bounds. Lucas is a good servant of the club tho and he is a player to keep. As for Rafa…..his heart is in the club and that for me is half the job done!!!