It looks increasingly likely that Italian outfit Lazio will seal the signing of Lucas Leiva this week for £5 million. The Brazilian entered his 10th year at Liverpool Football Club in 2017 and while it's impossible to deny that his time here has consisted of some ups and downs, overall he has been a phenomenal servant to the club.
Signed by Rafa Benitez weirdly also for £5 million in 2007, he started his first game in November of that year. Lucas Leiva was the first ever Brazilian to score for Liverpool, a fact I always forget.
Throughout his Liverpool career I always appeared to be that fan who was constantly backing Lucas up, whilst others became frustrated I just saw dips in form as just that, a blip.
Lucas was invaluable at times to Liverpool and for me he was one of those players who you didn't really appreciate until he was gone. His ability to control the game defensively from the midfield, breaking up the play of the opposition assisted Liverpool on countless occasions. Ask any of his world class team mates and I'm sure the likes of Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso would tell you that they felt far more comfortable knowing Lucas' protection was present in the side.
Of course, his style of play was very specific and not every game warranted such a defensive set up but I still think Lucas could do a job now, I just feel that Jurgen Klopp will not experience many occasions where he feels he needs a defensive midfielder. Klopp is going for all out attack in midfield and he of course has Emre Can too if he needs to deploy somebody in a more defensive role.
I wish Lucas the best of luck at Lazio and shall be keeping an eye on his performances in Serie A. If there's one thing the Italians are known for it's their solid defenses, Lucas could quite easily become a bit of a cult hero in Italy.
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| Image via Liverpool Echo |
Signed by Rafa Benitez weirdly also for £5 million in 2007, he started his first game in November of that year. Lucas Leiva was the first ever Brazilian to score for Liverpool, a fact I always forget.
Throughout his Liverpool career I always appeared to be that fan who was constantly backing Lucas up, whilst others became frustrated I just saw dips in form as just that, a blip.
Lucas was invaluable at times to Liverpool and for me he was one of those players who you didn't really appreciate until he was gone. His ability to control the game defensively from the midfield, breaking up the play of the opposition assisted Liverpool on countless occasions. Ask any of his world class team mates and I'm sure the likes of Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso would tell you that they felt far more comfortable knowing Lucas' protection was present in the side.
Of course, his style of play was very specific and not every game warranted such a defensive set up but I still think Lucas could do a job now, I just feel that Jurgen Klopp will not experience many occasions where he feels he needs a defensive midfielder. Klopp is going for all out attack in midfield and he of course has Emre Can too if he needs to deploy somebody in a more defensive role.
I wish Lucas the best of luck at Lazio and shall be keeping an eye on his performances in Serie A. If there's one thing the Italians are known for it's their solid defenses, Lucas could quite easily become a bit of a cult hero in Italy.
In other transfer news:
- Daniel Sturridge has apparently turned down a move to the Chinese Premier League
- Liverpool are in advanced talks with Hull regarding the signing of Andy Robertson
- The Naby Keita saga continues as Liverpool look to increase their offer