Date: 11th May 2011 at 11:09am
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Some Liverpool fans think that Liverpool’s central midfield does not need many changes this summer as we have Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Jay Spearing (I do not consider Poulsen as I am 100% sure he will be sold this summer). But I believe that Liverpool are still one defense minded central midfielder short if we are to challenge for a Top 4 finish next season.

Lucas has shone head and shoulders above anyone else this season as the defensive midfielder, not only at Liverpool but in the Premier League as a whole. I will not get into the Lucas debate now as I know many Liverpool fans have varied opinions about Lucas! So for now I will say that Lucas is the best defensive central midfielder we have but we can go out into the transfer market and buy better. The Brazilian is good at destructing the opposition by tackling and intercepting the ball but Lucas is guilty of giving the ball away too many times when he is in possession of it. A player in his position is either able to win the ball from the opposition, and either pass it accurately to the nearest player or spray a telling ball to launch an attack. It is not often you see Lucas being totally comfortable with the ball at his feet which results in him losing the ball on many occasions which gets frustrating. I am sure it is an aspect of his game that he will be able to work on as he matures as a player.

But now with reports coming out of Spain that Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra may be available for transfer this season have got me thinking that this is the kind of signing Liverpool need to make. The former Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth man has grown disillusioned with life in the Spanish capital, and has seen his role in the side dwindle further with the recent signing of Turkey international Nuri Sahin. The emergence of Pepe as a holding midfielder has also had an impact.

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11 responses to “The French International to solidify the Liverpool midfield”

  1. Shayaan says:

    True he’s a good player but not the right one to replace lucas. You also forgot we have meireles and jonjo shelvey in the midfield as well!

  2. njanja says:

    lucas remains the best midfielder in epl, and currently far better than massha

  3. ddr7479 says:

    errr did you not watch the fulham game on monday???? lucas did not give the ball away and actually played 4 amazing defence splitting passes, two of which resulted in goals and the other two created clearcut chances, basically, your story is crap mate

  4. Normz says:

    I agree 100% with this article!I was one of the Lucas hatters not too long ago and he changed my mind with his game up to now.He does loose the ball tho and if any of you actually watched the 2nd leg champions league game vs barca if it was’nt for Diarra barca would have won 5-0! He is pure metal and just what we need to free up gerard mereiles and co who ever plays in front of him to go up and have the effect Alonso had with the freedom of a good defensive midfielder behind him! I say go get him and do what ever it takes!

  5. Julian says:

    Yes this is difficult one. Whilst I agree we need investment in summer, we need to spend wisely economically and look at priorities. Also the standard had to be high like Suarez not adequate like Joe cole or passed it like Poulson. And with youngsters coming through we can’t afford to block path with more than two players ahead of them for their position. We must not fall into the trap of thinking that we have unlimited resources. We have a budget and will increase that by getting rid od deadwood. But we must be sure we bring in right players. Priority is centre back, left back, winger and forward. The role of holding midfielder is now two prong. The spearing Lucas pairing is how Liverpool will set up. They will press high up th field and take part in setting up attacks as well as covering defensively. This can also be done with Gerrard or Shelvey. If we need another midfielder I would opt for youngster like Coady from reserves or fancy MaCarthy from Wigan. He would be the nearest thing to Gerrard that I have seen. A note on Spearing – each time I see him he gets better and better. He reminds me of Steve MacMahon who played along side Molby in Dalglish last spell in charge. If he gets to that level we have a gem. Lucas also is getting more positive and has started playing regularly for Brazil. We must not let him go. Whilst Sandross at Spurs looks a better player than Diarra. So it’s all about opinions and being realistic. Unlike Chelsea fans. Their respected websites are full of spend spend spend. They realise their manager is going and the team will be buil around Torres. But the ease in which they want 150 million worth of players brought into the club is what I hate about them. I know there is some jealousy there. But recently I have got more pleasure from seeing Dalglish bringing through youngsters and making players who were under performing for the club raise to the levels they have done, that gives us heart and soul, but makes Chelsea souless . Stay patient I think Kenny will get it right.

  6. winbern says:

    i totally disagree, Lucas doesnt give the balls away as you said, hes the only play who hold the ball well even when under pressure then distribute it. i cant see any player come inn and take his place.

  7. winbern says:

    i totally disagree, Lucas doesnt give the balls away as you said, hes the only play who hold the ball well even when under pressure then distribute it. i cant see any player come inn and take his place.. i thought we should av given Damien the chance to be a cover up for Lucas.

  8. Lfc4life says:

    Sorry but I don’t agree with your article …
    Lucas is currently in a league of his own his tackling, passing and tempo is immense and he knows how to give educated fouls when need it most 😉 he’s a complete DM!

    Admittidly he’s not a dribbler and shooting isnt the best at the mo… But by the same token gerrard cant keep his life either!

    Iv always supporter Lucas and always will as long he keeps performing the way he does, with the heart and soul of true RED!

    😀

  9. Lfc4life says:

    Sorry but I don’t agree with your article …
    Lucas is currently in a league of his own his tackling, passing and tempo is immense and he knows how to give educated fouls when need it most 😉 he’s a complete DM!

    Admittidly he’s not a dribbler and shooting isnt the best at the mo… But by the same token gerrard cant keep to save his life either!

    Iv always supporter Lucas and always will as long he keeps performing the way he does, with the heart and soul of true RED!

    😀