Nope. Lucas is most definitely not a just-tackle sort of player. That's why he's progressed so much over the last season or so - he's been given reign to add to the attack. None of those other midfielders, except probably Song, are full-on DMs either.
De-Jong is a full on DM, and Lucas doesn't attack much at all. In fact for most of the time he's been restricted to stay in our own half. He'll join in with corners etc.. but he definetly doesn't add anything to attack, he breaks down play, that is his main function. Song isn't a very effective DM in my books.
If the team is set up right and against better opposition,this is where Lucas thrives due to what I said earlier,he bullys and snaps at heels and is a pain in the arse.He doesn't let the opposition play,which allows our forward thinking players to do their thing further up the pitch.He's a vital cog in the squad.
http://www.anfieldindex.com/1895/lucas-passes-sideways.html#tb "His role in the team will be key going forward. No, he isn’t there to unlock a defence with a killer pass, but he does constantly keep the ball moving, and rarely gives it away. If he can find Gerrard, Mereiles, Johnson, Kelly, or whoever, he can then allow them to do what they do. If the ball is moving constantly (and successfully), it makes it a lot easier for the creative players." I'm not the only one that thinks it. And anyway, saying he's restricted to our own half is a bit ridiculous.
Many fans have called for him to stay in our half... I still maintain I don't think he adds very much to attack at all, but he's very good at the defensive side of things.
Just because many fans have called for it, doesn't mean: a) It happens now. b) It should happen. Well, frankly, you're wrong. He's an exceptional passer of the ball - definitely in the top three at the club.
There have been flashes in the past of Lucas surging forward and I honestly thought he had potential there. But we need him to do the job he does at the moment. As has been said, Lucas is a model professional so he does what he's told to do.
Aparently this whole speculation started in that paper who's name I will not sully my mouth with - so what do you expect, it's RUBBISH
Saintanton. I reckon under Kenny,Lucas has brought Jay Spearing on.Jay Spearing seems to be a completely different player,I reckon Lucas has taken him under his wing. One of the things I've noticed under Kenny what Spearing and Lucas did was when Liverpool were on the defensive,they spread apart and they protected the full-backs and won possession and then went back into position and started attacks.
Lucas is a defensive midfielder, he breaks up play and passes the ball. He has improved with his pass completeion and tackling and he also is now an effective passer of the ball i.e. starting attacks with intelligent passes. I don't understand any argument saying otherwise as that is what I have seen on the pitch week after week.
Precisely. Anyone saying he can't pass is kidding themselves. I'd have agreed with that two seasons ago, but definitely not now.
Loses the ball too many times? Got some figures for that? Because it sounds like the " he only passes backwards and sideways" nonsense. Mascherano gave away a lot of fouls. That's giving the ball away and a set piece away. He got more yellows and reds, too. I think more fans would rather have Lucas than Mascherano back. In summary, he's better than you make him out to be.
Charlie Adam will not only help Lucas but he will help the entire side especially in away games in the same way Xabi Alonso did. You are right...lesser teams will attempt to get in their faces.Charlie Adam will slow the tempo down and dictate,however the key to this is an outlet and this is where Downing comes in.
He has the right to be worried..it shows that he cares. I cannot see him not playing regularly at the start of the season.There is also a rumour that Gerrard would be out for another six weeks. He only need re-assurance , and I think Kenny is going to sort that one out.Tell me who you are going to play in the middle of the pack if Gerrard is not going to play.?We must stop to undermine Lucas he already proved himself, and this is the time Liverpool fans should support him one hundred percent. Ride on Lucas
There is a difference between giving the ball away by fouling as it's an attempt to WIN the ball back. LOSING the ball is when you have the ball at your feet and you're dispossesed - which IMO is worse. I have seen a number of times when Lucas is bullied off the ball and it's no conincidence that we dropped a lot of points against the lesser teams. With regards to Lucas's passing ability - it's good but not amazing, as a majority of his passes are short and snappy. Not saying its a bad thing but that does not make him a 'great passer' as his range is limited.
Nobody has said he can't pass, I was saying his job is primarily to break up play. Good passing ability is a benefit, but it's not required for the job at hand.
Lucas is still under-rated by a lot of people imo. He doesn't give the ball away as much as some suggest. Also, I remember Macsherano giving silly free kicks and yellow cards away all the time, Lucas may give the odd free kick now and then but not nearly half as much as Masch.
