Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes that despite Lucas Leiva playing very well in recent matches, he believes that the return of Steven Gerrard could still see the Brazilian dropped from the starting eleven in favour of a more attacking formation:
“Lucas has developed as a player. His use of the ball has improved and he’s looking stronger physically. He’s also displaying much more confidence than we’ve seen from him before. But saying that, whether he’s good enough to start in our best team when everyone is available is debatable. Steven Gerrard could return at St James’ Park on Saturday and if he’s fully fit then he has to come straight back into the side. The best place for Gerrard is in the centre and I still believe the captain alongside Raul Meireles is our best midfield partnership. That would be harsh on Lucas as he certainly doesn’t warrant being dropped. It’s a hard one for the manager but you have to go with your strongest side in an attacking sense to really go looking for a win.”
Would you drop Lucas from the side? Who would you start in central midfield against Newcastle if Gerrard is fit?
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This week it is self-proclaimed Liverpool supporter and Tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki!
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I would prefer to have Lucas and Meireles playing together in central midfield as I think that gets the best out of Meireles since he’s allowed to go forward more and play a more attacking role. If Gerrard and Meireles play together and Lucas is dropped then Meireles will have more responsibility. He will certainly have to defend more and cover for Gerrard. What I would like to see is a central midfield partnership of Lucas and Meireles with Gerrard just behind Torres as we’ve seen what a threat Gerrard and Torres are when they play together up front.
Why break up a great partnership? That sounds crazy!
Lucas & Meireles to continue in central midfield with Gerard being given a free role behind the striker(s) in place of Maxi or Dirk or Ngog/Babel.
Both the above I totally agree with, makes best use of Gerrard and the resources available to us.
However, although they’ve struggled of late, Chelsea have employed the 4-3-3 to best effect with Obi/Essien/Lampard, why couldn’t we do the same with (l to r) Meireles-Lucas-Gerrard. Let’s the Portuguese play his natural role on a left of 3 midfield, Lucas sits deeper (but still has the freedom to run into space when available) and Gerrard gets to cross from his devastatingly good right wing position from where he had his 26 goal season. Kuyt right of 3 up top will still add defensive weight to the right wing, maybe Maxi or Babel (or even Ngog) on the left and Torres isn’t left to his own devices and has far better service.
Nice formation ‘as above’, I could live with that 🙂
Play 4-3-3. you didnt know unless you try.
Love you aldo, but once again Im scratching my head at your insane ideas.
its a tough one, cos i think gerrard’s best position is in centre mid but i wudn’t want to break up the partnership of raul n’ lucas…
i guess gerrard in the hole behind nando is the only option..
I knw Gerrard is a gr8 midfielder bt he cannot have partnership with Mereiles. If we drop lucas we r breaking the rythm of our play . I think Gerrard and Torres should start on the bench and the same team that played Aston Villa shld start the game. And at half time bring on Gerrard and Torres.