[quote author=rage link=topic=35358.msg929526#msg929526 date=1250846101]
[quote author=drizzt link=topic=35358.msg929402#msg929402 date=1250814446]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=35358.msg929327#msg929327 date=1250801392]
The one huge problem that everyone had with Lucas (even his defenders), is that he shrugged out of too many 50/50s, and was pushed off the ball regularly, often resulting in dangerous possession for the opposition. On evidence of preseason and the first couple of games, his physical conditioning work has had an almost miraculous effect. I think concern with his often too lateral, safe passing, is merited but not a huge problem. Lucas has got a good range of passing, and attempting more Hollywood passes will come with confidence, which he seems to be gaining. One potential boon of Alonso leaving is that Masher is clearly developing his passing game, and that could be a massive boost. Too often the way to stop Liverpool was to stop Alonso, who Masher invariably entrusted much of the passing to. If we have two ball playing CMs that should make us less predictable.
Lucas is by no means the finished product, but already this season and preseason there are signs to believe he is increasingly worth his place in his squad. Fingers crossed for the lad. Having the Anfield crowd off his back should allow him to attempt to vary his passing you'd think, if he's not frightened of bringing on the ire of the crowd with an ambitious pass that doesn't come off. Confidence should allow Lucas to fulfil whatever potential he has. How good he ends up, we can't tell yet, but I think it is already safe to say that Lucas Mk 2009 is a name that shouldn't inspire immediate groans when we see it on the team sheet.
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Even better than that, yesterday we had 4 ball playing CMs. It's been noticeable in this new setup that both Benni and Gerrard are swapping positions with deeper players coming deep and playmaking. That type of fluid play will cause teams no end of problems.
With Xabi the drill was too easy. Kuyt and Riera would go wide, Gerrard would show and Torres would stay high. It was so predictable it was easy to snuff out. This new setup will challenge a lot of teams organizational abilities.
Now let's see if we can do the same when the ball is contested because it really wasn't yesterday.
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it was so predictable that we nearly won the league with it and had gerrard and torres played more games last season we would have.
the new setup as it stands is far from proven.
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But not good enough to win it eh.
Very true it's unproven. Less cover for the defense and doubts about retaining possession when the midfield is contested are valid. Time will tell.
