Lucas Leiva
The Brazilian was utterly composed in central midfield yesterday. He won the ball back on plenty of occasions, and chose the correct passes all afternoon. In fact, he won eight tackles in total and made four interceptions – outstanding statistics – especially combined with his 85 successful passes. Lucas almost left to join Besiktas at the end of the summer, but we’re mighty glad he didn’t, as his experience and calmness is vital alongside Emre Can, who’s far more raw and unpredictable. When playing like he did against the Saints, Lucas can rightly be described as one of the best anchorman in the top flight, but he needs the attackers in front of him to start performing on the platform he creates.
.@LucasLeiva87: MotM vs Southampton, Rating 8.02, Tackles 8, Interceptions 4, Passes 75, Dribbles 1 @LFC pic.twitter.com/qMtQkyue1v
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 25, 2015
@LucasLeiva87 Lucas I am delighted you have proved the doubters wrong and are playing so well
— Irish Wolf (@irishwolf14) October 26, 2015
@LucasLeiva87 you had a great game yesterday, not the result we wanted but keep it going
— Dave Prendergast DCL (@DCLelec) October 26, 2015