Lucas Leiva – Rafa Benitez
May 6, 2012 Leave a comment
During the Rafael Benitez reign at Anfield, many players entered and left the club having had limited or substantial success. One of the figures to have had mixed reviews since day one, is that of Lucas Leiva. Fans were looking forward to seeing what the former Gremio and captain of the Brazilian under-20 side was to deliver. However, come 12 months after his arrival, they saw a player tweaked in terms of positional and game-play in general. Fan’s were growing increasingly frustrated and became skeptical of the midfielders potential in England. It was down to Lucas to change opinions and force his way into the midfield of one of the most decorated clubs in world football.
When Lucas signed for Liverpool as a 20 year old, I’m sure many thoughts and emotions were running through the youngsters head at the time. Whether it be moving to a completely new continent and picking up a new culture, or even questioning his own ability about whether he could compete at the highest level in one of the greatest leagues in the world, the player had alot of weight on his shoulders and the Liverpool fans weren’t going to take it easy on him.
Lucas – Pictured against Northampton Town
During the first couple of seasons at Liverpool, Lucas Leiva’s development was going more than well- he was entering the stage of his career where he would be crafted into a more dynamic midfielder that would sit deep, work hard for the team and aid others around him. He’d often come into games from the bench to replace players in similar positions such as Mohammed Sissoko, Javier Mascherano or Steven Gerrard. He’d also be the one to deputise if any of the said were injured or rested. A prime example came at Goodison Park back in October 2007- the Brazilian came onto the pitch to replace the captain and Liverpool’s all time greatest player, Steven Gerrard. Many were confused and questioned the motives of the change, but when Lucas’ last minute goal-bound effort was cruelly blocked on the line by Everton’s Phil Neville, Dirk Kuyt stepped up to slot home a penalty and win the game for Liverpool.
After Momo Sissoko’s departure from Liverpool, Lucas was then the player to step up and act as cover for the deep midfield pairing of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso. Whenever Lucas did come into the fray and sit alongside either (primarily Xabi Alonso,) he was often scrutinised even if his performance was that of what was asked. It’s more than fair to say that the now 24 year old doesn’t possess the traditional ‘Brazilian Flair’, but he does possess energy, drive and sheer determination in abundance. One of his better performances came away to Inter Milan, when the player filled in for the absent Alonso- Liverpool won the game 1-0 on the night and 3-0 on aggregate.
It was clear to all by the end of 2008, that Lucas Leiva was playing his better football alongside Xabi Alonso, a player that could find space and spray passes that not many players in world football could produce. He would often be seen on the Anfield turf hurrying around his own half, winning the ball and playing simple yet effective short passes. ‘Assisting the Assister,’ for want of a better expression. This of course, being whenever the more senior player, Javier Mascherano wasn’t in the side… The balance was perfect at this point and with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres leading the line, Liverpool were growing and reaching their potential. Lucas was slowly but surely beginning to win the faith of some fans and developing into a good player. But then the bad times were about to reemerge.
The Xabi Alonso transfer saga forced Rafael Benitez to enter the transfer market after the Spaniard left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009. A frustratingly injured Alberto Aquilani, was the player that came in, only to be later ruled out for much longer than the initial two months scheduled. Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano were to fill the void left and play the majority of the games in central midfield behind the key men up top, but that was only going to lead to frustration… With this pairing infront of the back four, you got negativity- you got side-wards passing to either full back or on occasion, backwards passing to Jamie Carragher, who’d then go onto playing long balls for the forwards… The fan’s werent happy and took most of the frustration out of the Brazilian once again, closely followed by the manager who was reluctant to change things.
There was of course discrepancies in the players game- Lucas was often criticised for jumping into challenges and giving away needless free kicks and even on occasion, penalties. An example came when Liverpool were away to Wigan Athletic. A late penalty earned Wigan a point.
Liverpool’s Player of the Season!
Pictured against Newcastle United
Rafael Benitez and Javier Mascherano’s departure from Liverpool resulted in Lucas having a new lease of life. Roy Hodgson being man to fill the void, and with Roy, came Raul Meireles- a player that was sure to restore some of the balance that was used so effectively back in the 08-09 season. Meireles wasn’t a ball winner, nor a deep lying playmaker, he was more of a box to box, agile and all round athlete that wouldn’t be scared to break away from his own half and test the opposition goalkeeper, scoring a contender for goal of the season in the process! So the balance was a little better, Lucas was shining as his work rate and determination was once again being thanked. Merieles was being more useful with the ball, bringing players above the half way line into play and taking the ball forward himself. As mentioned above, Lucas Leiva went onto winning the ‘Liverpool’s player of the season’ award!
What does the future hold for the 24 year old? Well the fans and players alike, now know that Lucas is one of the key figures for Liverpool, with many fans insulted and bemused by reports of teams such as Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur lodging poor bids to try and sign the player. Newly crowned manager, Kenny Dalglish, has also brought in central players such Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Alberto Aquilani (back from a loan spell at Juventus.) I’d say Lucas’ future looks bright, especially coupled with the fact that he’ll be statistically entering the peak of his career anytime. I predict Charlie Adam or Alberto Aquilani to be the perfect player to complement the Brazilian in this new look Liverpool side. You’ll also get teams struggling to pick players out when the energetic midfielder is storming around the pitch, closing players down and cutting out counter attacks. One thing is for sure, Lucas Leiva is now one of Liverpool’s most important players.
