Topic: Lucas was out for the season

[GrkStav]

Xabi is spot on with that.
When Lucas first came to us he was awful defensively but could ping the ball about easily when given time and space and that's the main difference between the English leagues and European/South American football. Our game is a lot more demanding physically and requires a players to be able to tackle all over the pitch whereas in Spain and Italy I see a lot of games where players stand off their opponents inviting the pressure and open games and would rather wait until the perfect opportunity to intercept the ball. This isn't such an exciting way of football and certainly isn't as risky and that's why he's saying they have had huge benefits from their international players coming to our leagues as they've learnt another way to play football and are better equipped to play against this style

I personally wouldn't want our game any other way

From what I've seen of the Argentinian league (watched maybe a sum-total of 20 matches in the past 3 years), especially of "big matches" between top teams, it is more like the English Premier League, in terms of physicality, lots of running, etc. than it is to other South American Leagues or the Spanish and Italian leagues.

[stueya]

Xabi is spot on with that.
When Lucas first came to us he was awful defensively but could ping the ball about easily when given time and space and that's the main difference between the English leagues and European/South American football. Our game is a lot more demanding physically and requires a players to be able to tackle all over the pitch whereas in Spain and Italy I see a lot of games where players stand off their opponents inviting the pressure and open games and would rather wait until the perfect opportunity to intercept the ball. This isn't such an exciting way of football and certainly isn't as risky and that's why he's saying they have had huge benefits from their international players coming to our leagues as they've learnt another way to play football and are better equipped to play against this style

I personally wouldn't want our game any other way

That's the prime reason why Spain struggled in major championships, they always had the talent but until Spanish players began to play in England they didn't have that extra willingness and cutting edge to throw their bodies on the line when needed and as a result always flattered to deceive, once the English influence filtered down through in training and matches from the prem based players such as Alonso and the likes of Piqué, Spain suddenly grasped that edge that will probably see them dominate for the next Euros and World Cup.

[S7ARZ]

That's the prime reason why Spain struggled in major championships, they always had the talent but until Spanish players began to play in England they didn't have that extra willingness and cutting edge to throw their bodies on the line when needed and as a result always flattered to deceive, once the English influence filtered down through in training and matches from the prem based players such as Alonso and the likes of Piqué, Spain suddenly grasped that edge that will probably see them dominate for the next Euros and World Cup.

Until they come up against a Country which plays a stubborn defensive game like Stoke 

[Nessy76]

That's the prime reason why Spain struggled in major championships, they always had the talent but until Spanish players began to play in England they didn't have that extra willingness and cutting edge to throw their bodies on the line when needed and as a result always flattered to deceive, once the English influence filtered down through in training and matches from the prem based players such as Alonso and the likes of Piqué, Spain suddenly grasped that edge that will probably see them dominate for the next Euros and World Cup.

It's similar to why England always underperform, there are so few English players experiencing football in other countries.

[koolkamal]

Meanwhile, Lucas Leiva will shortly return from Brazil, where he underwent knee surgery after being ruled out for the season.

"He's coming back over shortly and he's fine," said Dalglish. "He's missing us and wants to get back. There are no problems. We don't know what the date is."

[new-red]

I'll meet xabi halfway and say that tackling shouldn't be made a primary priority when teaching youngsters. But instruction should be given as a player who can tackle at a high level can change matches I.e. masch, Lucas.

[Nessy76]

I'll meet xabi halfway and say that tackling shouldn't be made a primary priority when teaching youngsters. But instruction should be given as a player who can tackle at a high level can change matches I.e. masch, Lucas.

They should definitely learn how to do it, otherwise people could get badly hurt.

[the jesus]

That's the prime reason why Spain struggled in major championships, they always had the talent but until Spanish players began to play in England they didn't have that extra willingness and cutting edge to throw their bodies on the line when needed and as a result always flattered to deceive, once the English influence filtered down through in training and matches from the prem based players such as Alonso and the likes of Piqué, Spain suddenly grasped that edge that will probably see them dominate for the next Euros and World Cup.

Not sure about this how many of the Euro wining team in 2008 were playing in the Prem?

From memory Fabreags, Reina , Torres, Arbeloa and Alonso ?
Torres aside none of them were first choice in there position were they?

[G1 Jockey 4(betfair)]

lucas may not have been as consistent with his tackling when he first came comared to now but one thing is certain.

he was a better tackler than alonso when he first joined.

[FernandoTourettes]

That's the prime reason why Spain struggled in major championships, they always had the talent but until Spanish players began to play in England they didn't have that extra willingness and cutting edge to throw their bodies on the line when needed and as a result always flattered to deceive, once the English influence filtered down through in training and matches from the prem based players such as Alonso and the likes of Piqué, Spain suddenly grasped that edge that will probably see them dominate for the next Euros and World Cup.

I think you are being a little generous there. Pique for starters was deemed not good enough by Man Utd for the premiership and sold for 3m ( after arriving for free ). They thought it was good business at the time. Alonso and Torres were amongst the starting eleven around 2008  - but Spain's main men were the likes Iniesta, Puyol, Silva, Casillas, Senna, Xavi and Villa.

If anything, I think playing against Liverpool, Chelsea and Utd in the Champions League every year hardened up Spain's best players for a generation.

[Matt8Pie]

Lucas is returning to Liverpool...


LucasLeiva87 Lucas Leiva
After 6 weeks here in Sao Paulo it is time to come back home and start the next stage of the rehab.

...and he called it "home". 

[Tepid water]

Usually 12 weeks healing on an acl before you can start to do any proper excercise and then 3+ months before you are back in full training I believe.

[Tuckwoor]

When I see this thread and the Didi man thread  on the same page, I am similarily reminded of early years at the club where a large part of our support couldn't see the underlying quality. Get well soon Lucas.

[chromed]

Looking forward to seeing this lad back on the pitch. Glad the surgery went well. Here's to a quick and healthy recovery

[thekitkatshuffler]

Yay!  Lucas not interested in move to Inter Milan!!

[El_Pistolero]

"home". I love you Lucas.

[The Jackal]

Yay!  Lucas not interested in move to Inter Milan!!

that's about Lucas Moura..

[Lady_Brandybuck]

Lucas is returning to Liverpool...


LucasLeiva87 Lucas Leiva
After 6 weeks here in Sao Paulo it is time to come back home and start the next stage of the rehab.

...and he called it "home". 

Home is where the heart is and his heart is in Liverpool

[DAVO1]

Lucas's absence has seen Adam nosedive,whenever Adam was dispossessed,out of position or misplaced a pass etc Lucas covered & a lot of his flaws were overlooked.
Adam anywhere near our penalty area is a liability,so many cheap fouls conceded it beggars belief.
He is out of form,he doesn't merit a start right now.

It was as if the lads on the coach to the reebok shared a joint or two,fuck we were sloppy from the kick off.

I dunno,frustrated & angry,i have never ever left the ground or switched the reds off before the final whistle went but i had twitchy fingers today-that itself shows how bad we were.

If Andy Carroll scores 10 league goals in a red shirt i'll show my arse in the Lisbon.

Confidence shot & thats why the passing & moving is awry too.

Time to earn your spurs Kenny,some hard work at melwood required.

[Chakan]

Our season ended with him.

[blackie2009]

Our season ended with him.

couldnt agree more, we are shocking!!!

[woof]

Lucas's absence has seen Adam nosedive,whenever Adam was dispossessed,out of position or misplaced a pass etc Lucas covered & a lot of his flaws were overlooked.
Adam anywhere near our penalty area is a liability,so many cheap fouls conceded it beggars belief.
He is out of form,he doesn't merit a start right now.

It was as if the lads on the coach to the reebok shared a joint or two,fuck we were sloppy from the kick off.

I dunno,frustrated & angry,i have never ever left the ground or switched the reds off before the final whistle went but i had twitchy fingers today-that itself shows how bad we were.

If Andy Carroll scores 10 league goals in a red shirt i'll show my arse in the Lisbon.

Confidence shot & thats why the passing & moving is awry too.

Time to earn your spurs Kenny,some hard work at melwood required.

The real problem is: we didn't require wholesale changes to the team after some very good showing towards the end of last season. Why replace the core with Adam, Downing and Hendo? We just needed to ease one or two players and let them adapt to the Liverpool system instead of making wholesale changes which then creates another system for the existing players to adapt to.

Yes, and we do miss Lucas a lot!

[budew]

we need a replacement/partner for lucas asap! been saying this for the last two years, but really, our biggest concern is in midfield and not on the wings/forwards/strikers

[Gromit]

Our season ended with him.

Still the cups mate, you might want to save that til next weekend

[Chakan]

Still the cups mate, you might want to save that til next weekend

I wouldn't have said it at the time because I thought we had the quality not to replace him, but at least plug a few holes. We just don't seem to have anyone in our team that can be a DM, not even close to one.

[SFiasco]

It wouldn't be wrong I don't think to say he's been our best player this season and he hasn't played for the last two months.

[rkgriffin]

At this point we might need a DM more than a Striker.  If anyone thought Lucas wasn't key to our midfield they do now. 

[SpartanRed]

Not sure if we're looking to sign anyone this month - we should spend the money on some horse placenta and this lad back a.s.a.p.

Incredible how much we miss him. 

[fosspowered]

I wouldn't have said it at the time because I thought we had the quality not to replace him, but at least plug a few holes. We just don't seem to have anyone in our team that can be a DM, not even close to one.

Spearing but he is injured too.

[redforlife]

Get well soon lad, this team missed you immensely,

[Chakan]

Spearing but he is injured too.

That's the thing I would count Spearing as a decent replacement, but after having been sent off and then injured, there really isn't anyone. I know teams get injuries but we should have someone, anyone other than Lucas and Spearing to be a DM,

[DAVO1]

I wouldn't have said it at the time because I thought we had the quality not to replace him, but at least plug a few holes. We just don't seem to have anyone in our team that can be a DM, not even close to one.

Spearing was having a blinder vs Manchester City before he was strung,very unfortunate for the lad-he has progressed steadily to deserving a run in the team.

[Gromit]

I wouldn't have said it at the time because I thought we had the quality not to replace him, but at least plug a few holes. We just don't seem to have anyone in our team that can be a DM, not even close to one.

If we go out of the cups, then I hope one of the kids like Coady gets a chance ahead of repeating mistakes like Adam at DM.

[Chakan]

If we go out of the cups, then I hope one of the kids like Coady gets a chance ahead of repeating mistakes like Adam at DM.

See I would be all for that, at least get someone in there who knows how to play there. Even if we get a quicky loan deal for someone. Just bring in anyone.

[RyanBabel19]

Apparently i was mad to say we needed to buy a back-up defensive midfielder in the summer. Adams good enough to cover if anything happens to Lucas i was told, makes me wonder about how delusional some people are when it comes to defending their favourite players and people. Some will go as far as chatting complete and utter bullshit to back the choices of people at the club and question anyone who doesn't follow suit

Utterly ridiculous, why do we never see what is staring us right in the face but other clubs can in an instant

[vivabobbygraham]

I believe Lucas is back with us or is imminent. Boy, do we miss the fellah. Get well soon lad, and be quick about it!

[andspecks]

Miss you, Lucas 

[The Portuguese Kopite]

At this point we might need a DM more than a Striker.  If anyone thought Lucas wasn't key to our midfield they do now.

Agreed. Without a true DM, we compensate by putting Adam and Gerrard both back. Waste of Gerrard who really should be a lot further up the pitch while Adam could just be replaced by someone who can actually fill that spot properly.

[HiroProtagonist]

I miss him.

[The G in Gerrard]

The second goal we conceded was abysmal. There was a moment in first half when Ngog dropped off from our centrebacks and there was a massive amount of space between them and the midfield. If we aren't going to get another midfielder in now, we have to play 3 centrally.