Lucas

[Flight]

I posted this, this morning, on YNWA. In the absence of transfer news in the last week, its a bit of encouragement about one of the lads we have already got in the bag. The quotes are from supporters of his club Gremio, who have watched him play week in, week out.






I've spent an hour or two this morning searching the internet, to find out more about Lucas, and reading the existing threads on this and other LFC sites. I have to say, it looks like I've greatly underestimated him and I think a lot of others have too.


Folks will probably have seen the compilation which is half way down this page. Probably also know that he is currently the holder of the Bola de Ouro (Brazils player of the year), in very distinguished company.

What I've found surprising is how knowledgable Brazils fans are across their forums about European football (including LFC) and just how highly Lucas is rated by all of them and by folks in other countries around the world. It seems its only in this country he is somewhat anonymous. Gremio have been forced to sell him to balance their finances and it looks like we paid what they asked, without haggling, to get him quick before anyone else came in.

They also seem to understand the intracasies of different formations and don't see him as a DM in the way we seem to. They have more names for different positions in CM and AM than we do.



These quotes are typical of their responses and feelings about him :





As to myself, I prefer the "new Falcao" and not the "Brazilian Gerrard"

Most Europeans that talked to me about Lucas had the impression that he is a defensive midfielder, and did not understand the function of second volante, until i gave them some examples. i do not want to repeat myself as we discussed it in the transfers and rumors thread and everything was said there, I recommend to Canalla and European members interested to understand about Lucas, to read it there

I do not agree with you, Leone, about Lucas being more defensive. he is very talented and inteligent and also gives everything of himself so he can do many things , but the thing he does best, in my humble opinion is his projection asisting the attack, and he is always better when he has a real volante de contencion behind him.


At the same time he is seen as being closer to Vieira than Gerrard.




It is a fact that most of you do not appreciate him, think that Xavi Alonso is better , ect.

So what shoud i say?

And as to the red colour, it is the color of International, the city rival, the most hated colour in Gremio, nothing to do with you

Furthermore, the Liverpool site did not even mentioned the deal. for you it is nothing, just a "prospect". For us he is everything. He is the best player of gremio, the captain of the young NT, a hero and an idol in RS and all Brasil, so what do you want? no growing up on my side will ease the frustration that we, his fans, feel

I will be only too happy if you prove me wrong and he wil flourish in Liverpool, believe me . I want the best for him. If we have to lose him for money, so at least I want him to be happy and succeed, he deserves it as a person and a football player. Such persons does not grow on trees. they are rare , and should be nourished





hes got tackling like mascherano,sissoko
hes got passing like fabregas,guti (short defence cutting passes) not long
he shoots like gerrard
he dribles like kaka
and lastly hes got energy like essien



Falcao, Cerezo, are not Defensive Middlefield in the sense of the word. They are what was called here "medio-volantes" and not "cabeça-de-areas", Those players are responsable for organizing the middlefield, not covering the defense like DMs should do.
However, people put all in the same pack this style of player and the DMs, because in europe, either you are a dm or a playmaker. They are just limited about football, what to do
Anyways, Lucas is not a DM in the Mauro Silva, Gilberto Silva, etc. sense, and I think he is not Gerrard like (perhaps spirit/leadership) player either.





Overall, I'm really excited about what I've found out. The prospect of Masch, Lucas and Gerrard playing together is mouth watering. It will also provide the competition for Xabi and Momo, IF they stay. really can't see both of them being here next term.


In summary he is widely regarded as being closest to Falcao as far as a Brazilian player and Vieira non-Brazilian, not a Defensive Midfielder. He is held in massive regard by all Brazilians.

[lfclad_4eva]

Great post, i hope he is that good.

[Spy Bee]

Originally Posted by Flight

hes got tackling like mascherano,sissoko
hes got passing like fabregas,guti (short defence cutting passes) not long
he shoots like gerrard
he dribles like kaka
and lastly hes got energy like essien

He sounds fucking shit!

[Thants]

Does he have the hair of Bolo? If not I'm not interested.

[Nunavut Patrick]

After LeTallec, Pongolle, Gonzalez, Diouff, Cisse I have statistically determined that Lucas (and what kind of a fucking name is that for a Brazilian. Lucas is usually a ginger snotty nosed whiner who rats on fellow students at school) will be shite.

[Cardie]

At least we aren't heaping undue pressure on him with stupid player comparisons.

[Flight]

Originally Posted by Cardie

At least we aren't heaping undue pressure on him with stupid player comparisons.

Just to underline again, those are comments made by fans at his present club :)

[de Tocqueville]

I for one have high hopes for the lad. Will he be playing in the Copa América over the summer?

[Strontium Dog]

He's Brazilian and he has one name - of course he's good.

Originally Posted by Flight

hes got tackling like mascherano,sissoko
hes got passing like fabregas,guti (short defence cutting passes) not long
he shoots like gerrard
he dribles like kaka
and lastly hes got energy like essien.

Great, we've already got one cunt that nobody knows where to play..

[thisisanfield]

Originally Posted by Jay W

Great, we've already got one cunt that nobody knows where to play..

Haha quality!

[Stu Monty]

I think it's interesting to see that the Brazilian player of the year award is not given at the end of the year as an independent decision but is collated from the points that the players are given over all the matches in the season. That somehow makes me feel happier that he has been consistent and not just flashy and eye catching therefore memorable when you have a think who was good at the end of the year.

[Unrighteous]

Well fuck me... I heard from the brazilian kid that I know that hes a great player but that post makes my mouth water for next season. Let's see this kid kick the snot out of the competition.

[Nunavut Patrick]

Originally Posted by de Tocqueville

I for one have high hopes for the lad. Will he be playing in the Copa América over the summer?

I do believe his is where everyone wants to be at some point in their lives:

Canada.

For the U20 FIFA WC.

[Nunavut Patrick]

Originally Posted by de Tocqueville

I for one have high hopes for the lad. Will he be playing in the Copa América over the summer?

I do believe he is where everyone wants to be at some point in their lives:

Canada.

For the U20 FIFA WC.

[bobhorse]

hes got tackling like mascherano,sissoko
hes got passing like fabregas,guti (short defence cutting passes) not long
he shoots like gerrard
he dribles like kaka
and lastly hes got energy like essien

as long as he doesnt have the

Hamstring of Owen
The Gout of Kewell
The 7 iron of Bellemy
The Contract of Diao
The Habits of El Spito

I'll be happy

[Red Nick]

There isnt such a thing as a shit brazillian player even Aurellio had his moments this season

[Lapskaus]

LUCAS- an introduction

I have a bunch of exams this time of year, so I decided I would translate what Tom Karlsen (former chief scout of Hammover 96 and former scout for Bayer Leverkusen) wrote about our new prospect Lucas Leiva instead of preparing for these exams. Anything is fun compared to reading to exams right...alright, this is what he wrote, in short(written 11 May)

Lucas was not only the cpt of the Brazil u-20 team who won the tournament in Paraguay in January, he was also thought to be the tournaments best player by many "experts". Last fall he also played a game for Dungas Brazil first team against the club team Al-Kuwait. It wont count as an official game though, but it shows that Dunga has him on his radar.

Offically Lucas has been sidelined this month with a muscular problem. The truth though, is that he is exhausted after playing the u-20's, copa libertadores and the league games. His performances have been under par lately and that is why they decided to give him a rest.

I have previously stated that the most "european" brazilian players - who have the greatest chance of success in Europe- come from the southern part of Brazil. Lucas has been "breeded" in Gremio in the State Mato Grosso do Sul in southern Brazil. Gremio was also Ronaldinho's first club. Lucas' uncle Levinha was a former Brazil International, played WC in 1974, and also played for juventus and atletico.

The Liverpool fans can expect an almost complete central midfielder with an arsenal of qualities. The right footed Lucas has reaped praise for his defensive qualitites in Brazil. Picks up loose balls and disturb the opposition, thanks to his tactical awareness and positioning. His passing is also impressive, even under pressure. He has a constructive mind and always searches for sensible positive solutions.

He is 179cm, in other words no giant(convert it yourself lazy cunts) He is also not very physically robust. His aerial game is thus not really a threat, and in "close combat" his intelligense rather than his physique is his strenght.

Lucas is not a hard-tackeling midfield terrier, and he plays more offensive than a normal anchor position. He is dynamic and versatile. Drives forward, creativity and a good eye for spotting opportunities to go on deep runs into the box. He is also good with combination play with team mates, which is why I think Benitez wants him for his offensive qualitites.

There are areas where he can improve but in terms of basic skills, character, football intelligence and potential I believe Lucas has what it takes to succeed in English football. Just like Leto he will need to adapt physically, gain more muscle and aslo adapt mentaly, higher intensity. But compared to South American midfielders he seems to be among the most fit and structured midfield players.

Lucas is disciplined, versatile and very much a team player.

If he developes like Benitez hopes he can be a world-class footballer in the next two-three years. As I said he will need to adapt, but I firmly believe in this kid.

....(.....)
we wont find him in the starting line-up in August, but of all the latino-related Liverpool buys of late he is the one who will need fewest cold, rainy reserve team gamenights to adapt and break the "Premiership" code.



Hope someone enjoyed that

[stig]

Rafa made Momo into the player he is, lets hope he can work his wonders on young lucas.

[Jari37]

thanks for that. much appreciated.

now go do some work.