The improvement that Lucas has shown recently has been phenomenal...but if he's going to establish himself as a starting central midfielder in a side that is challenging for silverware over the next few years - I expect more from him.
We've got the hard work, the reading of the game, the assuredness in possession, the courage, tenacity, and tough skin he's developed from years of abuse from our fanbase. Now as we are replacing some of the deadwood around him with real talent, I want to see him develop the advanced attributes of a midfielder's game. Dictating match tempo by releasing the ball early or holding on to it for a few seconds more than is necessary. Penetrative passes into the area, potshots from outside the box, a quick turn to open up space, timed runs into the area, a dip of the shoulder to beat the first man...etc etc.
Before anyone tells me that that's not Lucas' game - my reply is it has to be, for the sake of his advancement as a player. He's not the destroyer type like Masch (doesn't have the dynamic pace), and he's not the deep lying playmaker like Xabi (doesn't have the range). He's a proper box to box player with incredible stamina and a unbelievably calm presence on the ball. He's deceptively athletic, and as hard as nails. But back in Brazil, he was a different player. It'd be nice to see him recall some of those attributes and become a direct contributor to our offense as well as our defense.
