Visit Blog LFC for more articles - http://bloglfc.co.uk/jay-spearing-a-capable-replacement/ With the upsetting news that Liverpoolâs defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva will be ruled out for the rest of the campaign I have seen many Liverpool fans asking just who will replace the Brazilian who has been one of the best and most consistent performers over the last few seasons. Thereâs no doubting that the Brazilian will be missed with him being a key part of the Liverpool system since Kenny Dalglish took charge, performing the the ball winning midfield role brilliantly, mainly alongside new signing Charlie Adam. During recent games against Chelsea and Manchester City the Brazilian showed why heâs one of the best at what he does with arguably three man of the match performances. With many wondering how the void left will be filled there seems to be two options, either bring in a player during the upcoming January window or replace him with another player from the squad, either Jordan Henderson or Jay Spearing. Henderson obviously brings a more attacking approach to the team and would arguably upset the system leaving Liverpool more vulnerable in defence which is why I think itâs Jay Spearingâs chance to step up and prove himself. Towards the end of last season Jay Spearing and Lucas actually played alongside each other during Kennyâs return to the club. I, like many was actually surprised at how well Spearing performed. Many had believed that the player who had come through the Liverpool youth system had no future at Liverpool after hardly featuring in the first team as he continued to get older. But no, Spearing showed a great level of maturity to put in some great performances and help Liverpool secure a top 6 finish. A tough tackler and defensive minded midfield, Jay Spearing is a player who would be seen as the most natural replacement for Lucas perhaps and after his impressive performances last season I see no reason why it wouldnât be fair to give Spearing another chance to show what he can do. In the latest match against Chelsea, in the Carling Cup Semi-Final both Lucas and Spearing played alongside each other once again, bringing out top performances from the duo. It was a typical Spearing performance once again, nothing too spectacular or fancy, which is not to be expected of a defensive player, but a tidy and well organised defensive job with some neat passes as well. Recently Lucas has upped his game even more to add something extra to his performances that saw him awarded last yearâs player of the year award. Not only does Lucas perform incredibly well in defence with excellent tackling and interceptions but the Brazilian has improved his passing and heading. Against Manchester city despite not being the biggest of players Lucas won all of his air duels as well as playing some fantastic cross field balls in attack. So the question remains whether Spearing will be a capable replacement with big pressure on the young man following Lucasâ recent form, especially with Spearing normally seeing himself playing alongside the Brazilian. Visit Blog LFC for more articles - http://bloglfc.co.uk/jay-spearing-a-capable-replacement/
Another good article danielm! Do I feel Jay can step up? Yes, I do. Jay performed well in the second half of last season and despite the Lucas injury being a massive blow, I feel Jay can do his job and help us massively this season. He hasn't let us down before and i'm confident he won't now he will most likely be called upon.
Agreed He isn't the greatest player in the world but he deserves the chance to fill in for Lucas, has never lacked commitment and I believe he needs game time if he is to further his career and improve his game knowledge and skills (just the way Lucas has improved by being given time). He might not be perfect and he will make mistakes but he will never shirk a challenge and never give less than 100% every minute he plays. Hope he gets the chance to shine in Lucas absence.
