[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38668.msg1057982#msg1057982 date=1266847685]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=38668.msg1057957#msg1057957 date=1266846876]
[quote author=Carshaltonian link=topic=38668.msg1057946#msg1057946 date=1266845057]
[quote author=KopKing link=topic=38668.msg1057932#msg1057932 date=1266843808]
[quote author=Carshaltonian link=topic=38668.msg1057926#msg1057926 date=1266843443]
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=38668.msg1043872#msg1043872 date=1264584503]
People see the word Lucas and the either go bonkers (Brendan) or become very defensive (Mark). Fact is, I don't like the player but that is not what the post's about. It's about the fact only ONE should be in the middle, not BOTH. It's hurting our team.
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I don't agree. I've never bought into the re-invention of Alonso as some super-player that was the springboard for our attacks. He was an out-and-out defensive midfielder, as is shown by the fact that he only made three assists out of our 77 league goals last year. His passing was no more incisive than Lucas this season.
Alonso only played in something like 27 league games last year too, so it's not like we couldn't play without him (Man U away is the classic example, when Lucas was the best midfielder on view by a mile).
So I just don't see how playing two defensive midfielders this season is hurting the team when we had two defensive midfielders doing the same last season and. as match stats show, neither was exactly bombing forward and getting or making goals
Liverpool's main problem has been a lack of quality in wide areas all season, allied with Gerrard's total slump in form (only 6 goals, two of which were penalties), so we've been toothless in the attacking 3 midfield positions, a situation made worse by the lengthy injury to Torres.
That's what's been "harming the team", not what the two DMs have been doing - in fact they've both done a fabulous job in their positions
But let's ignore all that and get back on track and slag off Lucas
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Mate, I don't know who you are and don't recall seeing any of our posts before but you should post more if that's an indication of your opinions, its like a breath of fresh air.
I agree with every word.
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I don't come on here very often, as it's like a parallel universe in many ways, but every now and again I try to chuck in a sane comment to balance things out! I fear it's going to be an uphill struggle though. Any help will be appreciated!
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Just for clarification.
You feel that we are no worse off with Lucas playing in the role that Alonso left?
Lucas is really a very average player, who looks almost acceptable, and not out of place in our current team that is rammed with very average players, hence the reason why some almost sensible people, yourself fof instance are becoming confused with his ability.
I must take you to task on one point before that though, you suggested that Alonso was no more than a defensive midfield player. Are you suggesting that is what he actually is , or the position he was made to play by Benitez?
I have mixed feelings over Xabi, on one hand he really did have a couple of indifferent seasons before last year, on the other hand he had a magnificent season last year, and that is reflected in his valuations over that period.
Rafa was happy to off-load Xabi for £15m when he was after Barry, and ended up holding out for £30m when he wasn't, and Xabi had put in a great year.
In the formation with Gerrard playing behind Torres that was used to some success last year, it was Xabi's role to feed Gerrard, and not particularly Torres, hence, I would suggest, the lack of actual assists.
regards
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I don't always agree with you,but you always be counted on to make make valid, reasoned arguments. I'm not sure if you are referring to me or Carshaltonian, I presume its the latter. Xabi Alonso is and was a top class player and any team would miss him if he was not there.
To blame Lucas for the teams woes which if not you, then many others in here have, is ridiculous. I'd sooner blame Gerrard than Lucas, if we're going to blame anyone. Lucas's defined role is midfielder, Gerrard's is 'matchwinner' on £120k per week. He hasn't won many matches for us lately has he?
I agree that Lucas has been spectacularly unspectacular but he is nowhere near our worst player this season.
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Thank you, yes I can can't I.
I don't think it's as simple as blaming Lucas for the teams woes, Lucas is a symptom of the malaise.
I think what is to blame is ending up with such a shite squad that Lucas somehow justifies his place, as there is usually (sadly) no one better, which is even more worrying than Rafa believing that Lucas is better than he actually is (which he does).
regards
