For the first time today i think i saw what Benitez sees in Lucas...

[alias75]

Not that ive been one of his critics previously, i always thought he must be one of those players that managers like because he does things tactically that they're asked to do, that aren't necessarily the things fans will notice.

 

But in todays game and even in his little cameo on the weekend i definitely saw signs of a player adapting to the PL and developing those areas of his game he needs to improve to be a success in this country. Tonight with no Alonso and no Gerrard he saw a lot more of the ball and ran the midfield well. Ive always got the impression theres a lot more to his game offensively thats restricted when he plays with Gerrard but tonight for the first time i saw a player that has a future here and could develop into a very good midfielder, capable of playing the Alonso role or as a more offensive midfielder.

[Benitez]

It was great to see him have a good game. Probably helped him that it was away from home

 

I think he's a decent all round midfielder. Never was he a holding midfielder. But as a player who can be in charge and come forward and take set pieces, he seemed to grow in confidence. Hopefully that game will have helped him gain that cofidence he's probably lost recently!

[Florist Cinema Pond Goal]

Although there was uproar when Lucas started at home to Fulham, of the final 15 league games of last season where we picked up 36 of 45 points, Lucas started 10. He's not brilliant but he's the right player to have as a 4th choice centre mid; a young player who won't let you down, has the potential to improve further and won't kick up a fuss at not starting every game.

[anny road]

I like Lucas but he isnt a holding midfielder

 

without Gerrard and Alonso he looked like he had alot more freedom

[Ronnie Whelan]

he's the right player to have as a 4th choice centre mid; a young player who won't let you down, has the potential to improve further and won't kick up a fuss at not starting every game.

 

 

For now I agree, but I can see him maturing and adapting his game to the PL. He seems like a clever lad from interviews so im sure he will adapt succesfully.

 

Possibly Lucas's biggest problem is that he is not Steven Gerrard.

[urban]

Very hard for a young player trying to break into the first 11 when there is Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano in front of him.

 

Anyway, he is about the same level as Sissoko (albeit a different type of midfielder).

 

Good to have and will develop as Gerrard and Alonso ages.

[Paisley]

Thought he played well today and showed signs that he may finally be adapting. Maybe the incentive to 'repay' the managers faith in him will give him the confidence he needs to go out onto the pitch and prove he's talented enough to play at the top level and become a valuable member of the first team.

[M4TTA]

i was impressed with Lucas, played very well today.

[allawee]

I always liked him. Technically and his attitude are always spot on. However, he will always do better in a European game due to time and space, which you don't get in the PL. I think if he strengthens physically and plays the ball quicker, can be a real asset to us in the future. Very impressed with him tonight.

[Zoob]

Not the first midfielder we have had who plays better when Gerrard is not in the team. Not a dig at Gerrard, just that some players seem intimidated and somehow more flustered / withdrawn / on edge when Gerrard is in the team with them.

 

Probably his best game for Liverpool tonight. Seemed confident throughout, was involved in all 3 goals, put in some good tackles and I can only remember a couple of mis-placed passes.

 

Physically, there's still room for improvement, but he has certainly bulked up a bit since last year. There was a point in the second half where the ball broke to him, and a PSV player tried to knock him off the ball, but just bounced right off him and ended on his ass.

[cymrococh]

Not the first midfielder we have had who plays better when Gerrard is not in the team.

Care to name the others?

[Frosty Jack]

Care to name the others?

 

Ferri

[Chili Palmer]

I was impressed with him tonight, looks alot stronger than last year.

[Hodgson for Chelsea]

Anyway, he is about the same level as Sissoko (albeit a different type of midfielder).

 

I disagree. Sissoko put in some absolutely superb performances for us. Lucas has not hit that level yet...perhaps he will in future but it's in the balance, in my view, as to whether he'll adjust to life in the PL.

[Swagger]

Ferri

 

 

I was impressed with him tonight, looks alot stronger than last year.

 

I've noticed that too.

[Rovingronrobyrugbyreporter]

Ferri

 

Biscan played a lot better when Gerrard wasnt on the pitch.

[Cunny]

Lucas had a good game and he was my motm. However, lets not get carried away. It was against a poort eam in a very slow paced game. When he's playing like that in the premiership consistently, then we can get carried away.

[Benitez]

ah the obligatory 'lets not get carried away' slap down.

 

No one is.

 

I think for starters some are genuinely happy that he's played well after getting so much unneeded stick recently, and for showing again that he can contribute to the team.

[mattster]

Not that ive been one of his critics previously, i always thought he must be one of those players that managers like because he does things tactically that they're asked to do, that aren't necessarily the things fans will notice.

 

But in todays game and even in his little cameo on the weekend i definitely saw signs of a player adapting to the PL and developing those areas of his game he needs to improve to be a success in this country. Tonight with no Alonso and no Gerrard he saw a lot more of the ball and ran the midfield well. Ive always got the impression theres a lot more to his game offensively thats restricted when he plays with Gerrard but tonight for the first time i saw a player that has a future here and could develop into a very good midfielder, capable of playing the Alonso role or as a more offensive midfielder.

I see a very different player to you, Sir. Granted, he did well enough last night, but it is dangerous to start comparing Lucas to Alonso. Lucas is slow, he has a poor sense of timing in the tackle, I see him regularly mkae a mess of a 10yard pass, he is not the best at tracking back (due to his lack of pace, I suppose), his range of passing is 20 per cent of Alonso's, he doesn't score enough, he is physically weak and I am taking all the negatives from large sample, after watching him for quite a while.

Bottom line is, do you see him as a longterm replacement for Mascherano, Alonso or even Gerrard? The answer has to be, No. He is of a similar age to Mascherano, yet in terms of ability the two are poles apart.

[Hassony]

As I said in the MOTM thread, he reminded me of Dunga yesterday, he dominated the midfield and was involved in all three goals

 

excellent all round performance

[mattster]

Dunga? It's like comparing Jimmy Bullard to Kaka. I must be a seriously bad judge of a player if people can find it in themselves to compare Lucas to Dunga. I'll make a prediction for you, Lucas will never be a regular for LFC.

[M4TTA]

ah the obligatory 'lets not get carried away' slap down.

 

No one is.

 

I think for starters some are genuinely happy that he's played well after getting so much unneeded stick recently, and for showing again that he can contribute to the team.

 

right on the money there! good post

[Flasher]

He's trying to get into a midfield that contains Gerrard, Mascherano & Alonso.

 

I'd forgive him for feeling a little bit intimidated by that, especially at his age, and having come from a completely different football environment to the Premiership.

 

He'll be good in years to come. He just needs to believe he belongs in the squad/team on merit.

Edited December 10, 2008 by Flasher

[yellow jumper]

lucas has potential.

[billybunter]

lucas has potential.

 

 

well thats cleared that up