I'm a big Lucas fan as are most Liverpool fans. My concern is what do we do if he gets injured? I don't see anyone who could fill that position, do we need to buy a back up player for him? Spearing maybe? or even Coady? could do a job but I'm not sure.
We've got a few options. Spearing does a decent job, Gerrard can be excellent there. Although it would be nice to see someone like Coady getting some game time, perhaps in games like Brighton. Lucas looks pretty tough to be honest, can't see him getting injured that easily.
Lucas is like Kuyt - he doesn't do injuries. BUT if worst came to worst, Spearing could handle that role diligently? As could Gerrard (as has been said) although he's wasted there when you consider that he could be doing damage to the other team by playing higher up.
I think you had better change that to "he was a better DM than Lucas". It was clear from his performances last season that he was injured as could no longer tackle with the same degree of timing or power. None of us yet know just how much confidence he can have in the repair that he has had. Hence, at the present Lucas is the best DM of the 2.
I think Gerrard would be a last resort as DM - as mentioned earlier, his body won't allow him to dive around trying to win the 50/50's. Personally, I don't think we need a back up DM but we need real competition for DM. Lucas has improved a lot over the past seasons and is a valuable member of squad but I wouldn't call him top class just yet. I think we need a physically imposing DM to compete with Lucas (still prefer Mascherano). IMO Lucas is always a regular starter because we don't have anyone else who is as good in that position. Spearing isn't good enough. Yes - he has heart and determination and has decent ability but if we want to push on, then we need real quality.
Perhaps a sneaky bid for Tiote in January? At least it would give Lucas a bit of competition for his place.
-----Gerrard--Spearing Downing---Adam----Suarez ---------Carroll or -----Gerrard--Spearing Downing---Adam----Bellamy ---------Suarez
Jay Spearing, but he would have to experience alongside him like Gerrard. I wouldn't have him alongside Adam or Henderson.
Tiote signed a 6 and a half year deal earlier this season. I doubt that he'd leave Newcastle to become back-up elsewhere.
basically this DM stuff is complete rubbish... complete and utter balls. if a midfielder plays PROPERLY he both defends and attacks and to be honest essien is a good example of this.. so was souness for us way back when. charlie adam is a perfect example of a guy who can't defend properly, by holding position, knowing when to go and when not to. simple. lucas is not even the complete player yet as he can do more going forward. If adam was a better player he could hold his position and let lucas power on sometimes. same for meireles he was a powderpuff in the tackle and so wasn't suited to english football box to box like he was in portugal.
>>basically this DM stuff is complete rubbish tell that to Claude Makalele, Essien, Mascherano, Roy Keane and the Kaiser
This is a name which I believe was coined to describe less headless chicken like midfielders. All those players listed are not only good at tackling and holding tactical positions, but they also contribute a lot in attacking though it goes unmentioned.Already you will be glad o know Lucas is already at the top of the charts in tackling with the highest number of tackles as well tackle success rate. http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11096_2705370,00.html
Very surprised at the 2nd half league but goes to show that it's all about results and not performances ha! Good to see Lucas at the top but I would like see more players in the 'Top Passers' section. I was hoping to see Adam and Lucas there, really controlling games and keeping possession ticking over.
