[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=25403.msg624028#msg624028 date=1216630618]
[quote author=drizzt link=topic=25403.msg623965#msg623965 date=1216601104]
[quote author=peekay link=topic=25403.msg623867#msg623867 date=1216581042]
One huge problem with Lucas is the Gerrard comparison. We have been spoiled the last 5 years due to Gerrard in the sense that our definition of dynamic implies he should win the ball in a bone crunching tackle at the edge of our D box, then make a stunning 60 yards pass to Crouch then gallop across the field get the ball back and rip a 20 yarder into the bottom left corner. There is no midfield player who is as dynamic as our captain.
But I think Lucas can develop into a Michael Ballack like player if he bulks up a little bit more. He is comfortable on the ball, can tackle quite a bit and occasionally plays good through balls. I think if he keeps on developing and develops the knack of arriving late and taking a shot, he could prove to be a very very useful player for us.
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Lucas will develop into a scholes type player.
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No he won't.
Scholes at his best had one main asset that made him one of Europe's more dangerous midfielders, the ability to make clever runs from midfield off the ball, to take up great scoring positions in the box, the kind of runs that are a nightmare for defenders to pick up. Much like Ljungberg at his best, Bowyer at Leeds, Garcia at times for us, etc.
Lucas is by no means that kind of player.
For me he's shown alot of promise, the best I've seen from him are the clever short passes he can make, he did it a fair bit at the Emirates, where he was given licence to get forward more, and play passes through the defence for the attacking players to run onto (think Benayoun's early spurned chance). The only problem is what someone else (Vlad or Portly I think) pointed out last week, that he can occasionally be a bit of a passenger when we're not in possession, he's great when we have the ball but anonymous when we don't. But he's young, first season from South America, often played out of position etc.. He's done well.
This IS a big season for him though, but the signs are good.
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I've noticed that Lucas DOES make good little run's into the box. He hasn't received many through ball from it but I do recall noticing him following up the play. Watch for it next season Mark, Lucas does like to make these clever little run's, hopefully we'll see it this season a lot more.