The central midfield partnership of Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva has been a regular fixture for Liverpool this season, but there are signs that it is beginning to crack.
By the time Gerrard pulled his hamstring against West Ham last weekend, Lucas looked to have lost his starting berth alongside the Liverpool captain.
After an injury-troubled first year at the club, Brendan Rodgers has turned his trust back to his prodigy from Swansea City, Joe Allen, to replace the underperforming Lucas.
The Decline of Lucas
Much has been made of Liverpoolâs troublesome midfield problems this campaign, but whilst Gerrardâs form has improved and proved the critics wrong, Lucasâ has continued to decline.
Furthermore, it would be fair to say that Lucas hasnât been the same player since returning from long-term injury just over a year ago.
In 2013/14, according to Squawka, Lucas has a performance score of 252 from his 12 appearances, a pass-accuracy record of 91 percent and has created six chances.
Not bad.
But look closer at Lucasâ game and there are an alarming number of faults appearing.
His positioning in midfield is leaving gaping holes between Liverpoolâs defence and midfield for attackers to exploit.
His lack of pace is proving a struggle to himself and his teammates as he constantly readjusts himself to cope with the dynamic shift between defence and attack.
Squawkaâs statistics also reveal that Lucas wins just 45 percent of duels on the pitch, has had just one shot all season and earned himself five yellow cards in the process.
On the visit to league-leaders Arsenal last month, Lucas was nowhere to be seen, as Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey strolled through Liverpoolâs midfield to score the Gunnersâ winners.
It is no surprise, then, that Rodgers has looked to Allen to step up to fix Liverpoolâs midfield frailties.
The Rise Of Allen
Allen provides a quicker, more exciting option alongside Gerrard in midfield.
He has formed a good, intelligent understanding with the 33-year-old in recent games.
Allen's and Gerrardâs games compliment each other. Allen has the legs to chase balls over the pitch and become the catalyst between midfield and attack, allowing Gerrard to attend to more defensive duties.
Gerrard now has the freedom to pick up the ball deep in his own half, and instead of striding forward looking for playmaking options himself, can play a short ball off to Allen, ten years his younger, to continue the play.
Last Chance Saloon
Gerrardâs injury almost certainly means Lucas has another shot at showing Rodgers he is worthy of a first-team place at Liverpool and to be part of the Northern Irishmanâs future plans.
If Lucas is to have a future at Anfield, the time to step up and show his capabilities is now.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, Liverpoolâs hardest run of games this season is about to begin, and it is just before the January transfer window when Rodgers may ultimately look to replace him.
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By the time Gerrard pulled his hamstring against West Ham last weekend, Lucas looked to have lost his starting berth alongside the Liverpool captain.
After an injury-troubled first year at the club, Brendan Rodgers has turned his trust back to his prodigy from Swansea City, Joe Allen, to replace the underperforming Lucas.
The Decline of Lucas
Much has been made of Liverpoolâs troublesome midfield problems this campaign, but whilst Gerrardâs form has improved and proved the critics wrong, Lucasâ has continued to decline.
Furthermore, it would be fair to say that Lucas hasnât been the same player since returning from long-term injury just over a year ago.
In 2013/14, according to Squawka, Lucas has a performance score of 252 from his 12 appearances, a pass-accuracy record of 91 percent and has created six chances.
Not bad.
But look closer at Lucasâ game and there are an alarming number of faults appearing.
His positioning in midfield is leaving gaping holes between Liverpoolâs defence and midfield for attackers to exploit.
His lack of pace is proving a struggle to himself and his teammates as he constantly readjusts himself to cope with the dynamic shift between defence and attack.
Squawkaâs statistics also reveal that Lucas wins just 45 percent of duels on the pitch, has had just one shot all season and earned himself five yellow cards in the process.
On the visit to league-leaders Arsenal last month, Lucas was nowhere to be seen, as Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey strolled through Liverpoolâs midfield to score the Gunnersâ winners.
It is no surprise, then, that Rodgers has looked to Allen to step up to fix Liverpoolâs midfield frailties.
The Rise Of Allen
Allen provides a quicker, more exciting option alongside Gerrard in midfield.
He has formed a good, intelligent understanding with the 33-year-old in recent games.
Allen's and Gerrardâs games compliment each other. Allen has the legs to chase balls over the pitch and become the catalyst between midfield and attack, allowing Gerrard to attend to more defensive duties.
Gerrard now has the freedom to pick up the ball deep in his own half, and instead of striding forward looking for playmaking options himself, can play a short ball off to Allen, ten years his younger, to continue the play.
Last Chance Saloon
Gerrardâs injury almost certainly means Lucas has another shot at showing Rodgers he is worthy of a first-team place at Liverpool and to be part of the Northern Irishmanâs future plans.
If Lucas is to have a future at Anfield, the time to step up and show his capabilities is now.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, Liverpoolâs hardest run of games this season is about to begin, and it is just before the January transfer window when Rodgers may ultimately look to replace him.
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