KopTalk.com Forums Football Liverpool FC Forum Stato's Five & Five Moments [Game 2]

That is exactly the point though. Rodgers does realise that we need talented versatile players... That is why Aspas, Alberto, Toure and Cissokho have all been signed... Even Coutinho has some versatility, and so does Sturridge...

If you think Lucas is limited, there is really nothing I can say to persuade you. The closest comparison I can make, is that to me, Lucas is like a slightly weaker version of Carrick. Both attacking midfielders that have worked on their defensive play to become competent in all 3 central midfield positions. Neither are likely to score many ever season, but their work-rate, play-breaking and distribution are essential in moving from defense to attack. And his mentality is key to our midfield ticking. Just like Carra was for our defense.

He isn't a pin-up player. Just like Allen... even if he plays well, most will not congratulate, only say well done for doing your job. Their responsibility is still essential, in a slightly less direct way than scoring goals and last-ditch challenges. I think losing Lucas would bring about more inconsistent results, like have happened for the last 2.5 years when he has had his injuries. I don't think people will realise how essential he is until fans, like you, criticise him to the point where he is being driven out. Just my opinion.

Of all the players we missed when out injured I think we missed Lucas more than anyone else. Loads of stats about how we win more games when there is no Suarez or that we score more without Gerrard or whatever.

Lucas is the one that allows midfielders to get forward and he makes so many interceptions. He is a player that other sides will try and keep the ball away from because they know of his reading of the game.

I would say he does his job and does it well so maybe issue should be taken more with those that do not do their job. But so far with two excellent performances I don't think anybody has been found lacking.

Last time I looked football was played by 2 teams and the result of any game is about stopping opponents as much as it is about playing your own game.

last season jaaskelainen made most saves does that mean he is the best goalie?.Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin made the most tackles and interceptions so he most the best defender. you can not go by stats. lucas is a good player but we need a world class player in the middle of the park to try and get into top 4 every year.

fair point but if we get a chance of getting mascherano or Alonso back would you sell lucas.

Yaya Touré is nothing compared to Lucas!

If we're getting a new CM, I'd say we need a creative/goalscorer to replace Henderson in the first team. LW should be priority though, then at least Coutinho can come inside.

If you don't think stats prove anything, I am glad you aren't working in our scouting department. Using one stat in singularity is criminal. Using multiple stats gives a better, broader picture of a player. In a game defined by maths, of course stats can be used. Honestly!

Mascherano vs Lucas... to me, is close. Very often, Mascherano gets caught out of position. He relies, a lot, on how good he is at making last-ditch challenges. Lucas is better positionally, but can't fall back on his challenges. To me... that is a tough call.

As for Alonso... doesn't even fit the same position. He is a deep-lying playmaker... not a DM. He needed protection, hence why Mascherano was brought in to do the dog work. To prove we don't need a pure DM, you already named one. Bizarre.

Yaya Toure is also a centre-midfielder that plays just in front of DM, and plays box to box. Not the same kind of player. Comparisons, to me, are futile. We need a Yaya type and a Lucas type, not either or. Too much reliance on similar players is a problem we've had for way too long.



So someone able to play both positions, i.e. like Willian and Mkhitaryan, really is exactly what we need. At least we're not making mistakes and filling areas we don't need improving. How many years did we cry out for another striker? Or a left winger?

How would they? Stats from the villa game in every 10 minute period would quite easily of shown periods of possession, control, chances, and lack of. Taking stats in isolation doesn't prove very much. You have to take several to get a grander picture.

At least 5 of their shots were row Z smashers. Lowton put at least two high, wide and handsome. You said you didn't see the game yet keep trying to pull LFC apart over the performance, how can you do this?

Mignolet made two saves, albeit good ones. The level of control by liverpool throughout the game was encouraging. However the togetherness and organisation when defending impressed me the most. This was villas first home game and we controlled 70 percent of it.

the lsat save from the half volley was top class. He has had a few dodgy moments and doesn't look 100% comfortable at the minute with the ball at feet but that could be nerves more so but I think he will settle in nicely