I'd agree with your five if we're going with that definition - which leads me to ask, how does Lucas make the list (for some).
I suppose I should explain the reason as to why I'm a little perplexed at Lucas being chosen in some people's list, it's their prerogative but I'd like to explain why he wouldn't make my list. And by Christ I don't want to turn this into a Lucas/midfield thread that isn't the point of my explanation which is to give a genuine reason because I'm genuinely unsure why he has made some lists and it isn't criticism of him either.
Rodgers, when he terms the word "brave" talks about technically gifted players who have courage on the ball. Lucas does have some technical ability, as do most footballers, he also has some courage on the ball, like many footballers do. In comparison to Suarez, Coutinho, Gerrard, Johnson and Agger, he doesn't have as much. These players have it abundance in comparison to Lucas, in a different league so to speak. As we're often reminded Lucas's role in the team is very specific and when questioned whether he should be doing, or could be doing more, it is often nonchalantly dismissed out of hand that 'he's not in the team to do that!'. People who think they can appreciate his work better than the others will use this as a way to deflect any constraints his game/ability has, which is fair enough, he is after all our only proper DM.
With that said, Lucas's game when in possession is like German manufacturing - efficient, he's there to do that specific job of putting fires out around defense, winning the ball back and then laying it off, simply and efficiently, to players who are "brave". His game, nor does his ability allow him to be as "brave" as Suarez, Coutinho, Gerrard, Johnson, or even Agger who is a genuine ball playing center half. His role has been made so specific (by some) that the "brave" we're talking about here excludes his a) ability (in comparison to aforementioned players) and b) his game (which is specific and when in possession efficient/simple & effective are the order of the day). That's no slight on the player, he's there to do a role, but being "brave" in this sense isn't it.
« Last Edit: Nov 18, 2013 02:10:19 pm by Beerbelly »
Logged