In the summer of 2007 Rafael Benitez brought a slighty-built, long-haired Brazilian to Anfield.
He came with an impressive reputation, having captained the Brazilian under-20 team to victory in the 2007 South American Youth Championship, in addition to a collection of sound performances for his first club Grêmio.
Arriving on Merseyside, he was a sought-after attacking midfielder who had attracted interest from a number of top European clubs, including Inter Milan. Benitez thought he had acquired a creative player with a talent for scoring goals, evidenced by his strikes for the Brazil under 20s. However, in scoring goals and providing assists, Lucas struggled at Anfield, failing to impress Kopites and unable to deliver on his reputation. There were some glimpses of what he could do going forward, with a superb long range, curling strike versus Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup, but ultimately the Brazilian’s attacking talent never materialised into anything substantial at Anfield.
But in another sense, the midfielder’s talents absolutely did materialise: remodelled as a deep-lying midfielder, Lucas’ ascent was uncompromising as the years past on Merseyside. Testament to his own determined hard-work and willingness, and Benitez’s tactical know-how, Lucas underwent a phenomenal transformation, from a struggling attacking player unable to provide any real inspiration, to a defensive stalwart, disciplined in both possession and in the tackle.
Over the course of his ten years at Liverpool, Lucas only managed to add six more strikes to his maiden goal against Havant and Waterlooville, and almost amazingly only struck once in the Premier League. This shyness in front of goal, however, is not an indictment levelled at Lucas, far from it; on the contrary, it is viewed through a positive prism, in a manner similar to how Liverpool fans viewed Jamie Carragher’s goalscoring exploits. This was perhaps best personified by Jürgen Klopp’s antics following Lucas’ well out of range effort against Everton in the 2016 Merseyside derby at Anfield – the boss could not contain his laughter. Such a response, however, from both Klopp and the fans, would only be directed towards a select few players, Lucas being one of them. It was only because of the Brazilian’s tenacity and discipline in a defensive sense, that koppites could view his lack of goals in a humours light.
His performances in a defensive midfield role were top-level for a number of seasons at Anfield, providing stability and reliability to the defence, and enabling the rest of the midfield to provide support and creativity in the attack third. Lucas consistently put his body on the line, breaking up attacks and acting as an outlet in possession, allowing Liverpool to recycle the ball and keep their shape. He was somewhat of an unsung hero at times, but in performing his duties he gave Liverpool’s creative players a license to get forward and support the attack, sound in the knowledge that the back-four was well covered.
His exploits at Anfield were recently paid tribute to by Steven Gerrard, who said: “He’s an example to all Academy players. They have got talent like Lucas with the ball but they don’t do what Lucas does without it in terms of dirty running, in terms of going into many collisions over the 90 minutes, going in where it hurts and sacrificing yourself for the team, doing the dirty work and emptying that tank every time.”
Furthermore, Lucas has endeared himself to both his teammates and to the Liverpool support who hold him in the absolute highest regard. Although not a native Liverpudlian, he is considered an honorary scouser by Reds supporters who admire his loyalty to the club and are very grateful for his passionate performances over a ten year period. In addition to his excellent displays on the field, his contribution to Liverpool FC was heightened by the impact he had on his numerous teammates over his decade at the club. After the announcement that Lucas was departing for Lazio, the current Liverpool squad produced a video message for him, in which numerous players – including club captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner – thanked him for his service and the help he had provided to new players on arriving at the club.
Although he will not be gracing the pitch at Anfield anymore, Lucas will always have a place at Liverpool FC. It goes without saying that everyone associated with LFC wishes Lucas the best as he pursues pastures new in Rome and it would be nice to think that one day he could return to Anfield in some capacity. As supporters of Liverpool we will all miss him – its been a pleasure, lad.
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