So, here we are....
If reports are to be believed, the eve of Alonso's departure. A massive loss, no doubt. If McNulty and Freamon are natural Po-lice, our Xabi is a natural ar-tiste. Now I caught big Jan, in the twilight of his career, he was more 'big' than anything else. Listening to people talking about Molbys ability to run games, manipulate the ball before putting it on a sixpence, then watching Senor Alonso do it, week in, week out has been a privilege.
At 24, I suppose having a 'fav player' is a bit like putting posters of your heroes on your wall. (Imagine the missus, coming into the boudoir for the best 4, maybe 4 and a half minutes of her life, to be confronted by the snarling Skrtel or the spotty Dagger). If I 'done' favourite players, it would be Alonso. Now he had a few seasons where he wasn't at his best, but last season, we had a gem. Not just on the field, but off it, Xabi was a 'Liverpool player'. The celebrations after Peter Crouchs' goal in the European Cup will be my parting memory, you can stick your 60 yard goals. Its not often you see that side of a footballer. Granted, the whole 'transfer request' issue has tarnished his good name in the eyes of some, but I'll not go into that.
This is about Lucas Leiva. Our young Brazilian. Boo'd by sections of the Anfield faithful, moaned at when getting ready to go on the pitch......some fans wonder why we couldn't put away the likes of Stoke/West Ham et all??
The very fact the boy is still here, is enough to convince me, he is made of the right stuff. The Wigan penalty, the derby sending off, coming not too far apart, were all too much for some 'fans'. Now the game is full of opinions, I know reds who think its a disgrace he's a liverpool player, but I have rarely met one who had a good word about him.
From the off, I'll say, Lucas is not Alonso. Never will be. However, he could be more valuable. Now whilst we list the names of players who could come in, I'd be happy with a youngster or two, for depth reasons. With Lucas in Xabi's role alongside Mascherano, I believe we are a more mobile and versatile unit. Can pick a pass, reads the game very well, which means he rarely needs to make a tackle (Thank christ for that because lets face it, its not his strong point, but something that can be learnt, reading the game however, can't, without years of experience)
I rate the boy, I really do. When I'm in the boozer I keep it to myself, amidst all the "Lucas you're a disgrace" I keep my gob shut, simply because you can't reason with someone who's one and only argument is 'he's shite'.
I've said it on here, many a time, the boy has a bright future. I did at one point question, if it would be with Liverpool or not.
The ball is in you're court Lucas, lad
Step up
Make yourself a hero