Liverpool FC Forum

bigmick wrote:

Sabre wrote:

bigmick wrote:I really think people are going to have to get over this idea of "replacing" Alonso. You aren't going to get a like for like swap, and arguably it's not what we need anyway. The manager will surely go for somebody who while sacrificing some of Xabi's tempo controlling qualities, offers a lot more going forward.

Yes, but despite Xabi being a deep lying playmaker, he's aswell the only holding midfielder capable of substituting Mascherano in that role with his different attributes.

That is, if we bring that so much demanded second striker or an attacking midfielder, who are we going to play when Mascherano goes to play to Bolivia? Plessis? Lucas? I guess we could put Gerrard there, as discussed in another thread, but that would imply to have Gerrard choped and changed in different positions. Plus, I don't think it's the role that suits Gerrard best.

I don't expect to have a Hollywoodesque player if Alonso leaves, but we defo need a Hammanesque replacement if he leaves.

You're probably right Sabes, but at some point surely we've got to make some kind of decision on Lucas. He's been at the club two seasons now, and we paid decent money for him given his age and experience. He's played quite a few games now, so it's time to ask is he good enough or not, and indeed what type of midfielder is he?

Is he the attacking midfielder they talked about when he first came (we haven't seen much evidence of it apart from the fact he's unusually good at attacking crosses in the air) or is he a defensive mid? Somethings got to give with the kid soon surely?

My read if pushed, and I say it without confidence, is that he's kind of a defensive midfielder and could cover for Masherano. In fairness if he can't cover for either Masherano or Gerrard, we might as well move him on as well.