Parachuted back in from the cold against Arsenal on Monday night, Lucas Leiva put in a truly excellent performance against the Gunners during his 75-minute outing.
The Brazilian has been the subject of intense rumours of late amid suggestions he’s been informed by Brendan Rodgers that he’s fifth in line for a starting berth at Anfield, but he certainly didn’t perform like a player on the verge of a move.
Although he did nothing fancy, the 28-year-old went about his work as the deepest of the midfielders in a composed and calculated manner, sweeping behind Emre Can and James Milner while using his reading of the game to cut off numerous Arsenal attacks and protect his centre-backs.
One performance may not be enough to persuade Rodgers to alter his stance, yet this sort of showing from Lucas is nothing new, with the former Gremio man having reinvented himself, come back from the brink and won over the supporters time after time through his Merseyside career.
Offload the South American? Liverpool would be foolish to do so… and here are FIVE reasons why…
Best defensive midfielder at the club
With Rodgers hailing Lucas as his “best defensive midfield player” ahead of kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, suggestions that he does not value the 28-year-old were quickly dispelled. Admittedly the competition for that title at the club is minimal, but, if anything, that makes his presence all the more important.
Emre Can, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson have all filled the position at various points, but with the German a little too robust for the darting movements needed, the Welshman too lightweight for physical battles and the Liverpool skipper’s talents wasted in a deeper position, Lucas is the player to turn to as an orthodox holder.
Rodgers’ system doesn’t always demand someone whose game is limited to screening, however, there are always occasions when a little more solidity is desirable.
One of few senior stars
With the exit of Steven Gerrard, Liverpool are now a little short on senior players. This was reflected at Arsenal as Milner pulled on the captain’s armband in just his third competitive game for the club, and the fact that Lucas, at only 28, was the third youngest member of the starting XI – Martin Skrtel, 30, and Milner, 29, were the oldest – further drives home the lack of experience.
Okay, age doesn’t always bring wisdom and a host of Liverpool’s first-team players already have plenty of international caps and club appearances to their name, yet know-how can often be invaluable across a season.
Further to this, off the pitch Lucas is known to be a gelling character for the South American contingent at the club in particular, which is handy given that Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino are still young, while another Brazilian import in the shape of teenager Allan Rodrigues de Souza was also drafted in over the summer.
Perfect for the big games
75 minutes. Four tackles won. Four intercepts made. Almost 50% of his duels successful. Lucas really did thrive on the big stage.
Despite their questionable form this season, Arsenal are without doubt one of the most difficult teams for midfielders to face, with the movement of players such as Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey electric. It only takes one moment of hesitancy or a single lapse in concentration to give away a chance, or a goal.
Despite Lucas having not featured competitively this season before the whistle, he looked up to speed and performed his duties admirably for the 75 minutes he could manage – fitness was an issues – showing that he has what it takes in the big games.
In matches where Liverpool need to keep it tight – against the ‘big four’ – there is no better option in Rodgers’ squad to anchor the midfield.
Are there any better options out there?
We’re now just a week from the transfer deadline, so any deal for a replacement would have to be conducted swiftly. It would be naïve to suggest Liverpool haven’t already got names in mind and that contact with agents/clubs has not been made, but still any deal would have to be rushed to be secured in time.
Southampton’s Victor Wanyama appears to be an orthodox ‘destroyer’ option, but he’s fairly limited in a technical sense, while Asier Illarramendi of Real Madrid is a long-term target, but is more adept as a playmaker than a hustling holding midfielder.
Cult hero
From being booed onto the pitch, roundly criticised by fans and held up as the scapegoat as Rafa Benitez’s regime came crumbling down, Lucas has reinvented himself as a crowd favourite. Some turnaround.
Lucas’ hard working attitude, willingness to sacrifice himself for the team and friendly persona have bought him cult hero status at Anfield, with fans now upset by suggestions that he’s set to leave.