There’s been countless rumours that our longest-serving player Lucas would leave this summer, but following a traditionally disciplined and hard-working display against Arsenal – Brendan Rodgers has promised that we’re keeping the Brazilian.
Lucas hadn’t made an appearance yet this season, failing to make the bench during victories against Stoke and Bournemouth, but away to a title challenger, the manager decided to draft him in to the anchorman spot, and Lucas did everything expected of him.
SEE MORE:
One tweet to sum up every player v Arsenal – ‘People who don’t rate Coutinho have the football IQ of a chicken!’
Liverpool player ratings v Arsenal: Heroic defensive performances from Gomez & Skrtel
He marshalled Mesut Ozil impressively, passed the ball simply and made tackles and interceptions in the centre to break up opposition play.
“Yes,” Rodgers said when asked if Lucas would stay beyond August, reported in the Echo.
“Lucas is our best defensive midfield player we have. There are games in which I will pay three midfield players and not always want a specific defensive one.
“But when we do need that, he’s the best that we have.
“He came in at Arsenal and did a great job, and is very much part of what we want to do.
“Of course, every player wants to play every minute of every game and you can never guarantee that as a manager.
“But he is certainly very important to what we want to do, and is highly respected by myself, the coaching staff and the players.”
The news is positive, and indicates that our activity in the transfer window is over for the summer – while other teams thrash around in the market trying to plug holes.
Rodgers’ comments suggest that Lucas won’t always be needed or selected, but when we do want to add defensive solidity to our midfield, he’ll be called upon – and this is great news. It shows the loyal South American is valued and will play a part this term as we hopefully challenge on four fronts.
A loan move to Besiktas would only have weakened us, and the story in the Express about his departure has surely been proved wrong by our manager’s quotes.