Lucas Leiva’s stuttering return to form for Liverpool has earned him a call-up to the Brazil national team, as Luiz Felipe Scolari announced a somewhat experimental squad for the friendlies against South Korea and Zambia.
Lucas’ last international call up was towards the end of 2011, as a series of injuries have kept him out of the international picture since then.
His return to full fitness has taken longer than many thought, but the serious nature of the cruciate ligament injury he suffered during a League Cup match against Chelsea meant that a full recovery was always in doubt. Even now many onlookers believe the effects of the injury on his mobility and fitness are still noticeable.
Lucas is a player who has become used to overcoming adversity since his move to Liverpool. The midfielder was once derided by some Liverpool fans, and was even booed by them during a particularly limp performance earlier in his career. However, he proved any doubters wrong as he became a vital part of the Liverpool set-up before the injury set back.
Since his return to action, the Anfield faithful have been praying that Lucas would reach the levels of performance he achieved prior to his knee injury, and he has shown glimpses of his old self as he knits the attack from deep.
His defensive energy is also still evident, but the legs seem to fade midway through the second half of games. Whether this is due to the lingering effects of the injury, or simply down to the fact he’s being overplayed as Liverpool’s only defensive midfielder is up for debate.
There’s also a debate as to whether defensive midfield is his best position, or whether he would be better in a slightly more advanced role in the centre of midfield, similar to the one currently occupied by Steven Gerrard.
There’s no doubt that manager Brendan Rodgers sees Lucas as a vital part of his Liverpool side, and has even described him as “one of the disciples” when referring to Lucas’ role in the system and style he wants Liverpool to play. But the Lucas we saw at Brazilian side Grêmio, who won the Bola de Ouro (a similar award to Footballer of the Year) in 2006, had the freedom to burst forward from midfield, and his four goals in the league that season can testify to this.
Compare this with just one league goal scored in his six seasons at Liverpool.
Despite this apparent ability to play a more box-to-box role, it’s likely that Luiz Felipe Scolari will also use Lucas in a midfield holding position for Brazil. He’ll be alongside a more boisterous invader of an opposition area such as Paulinho or Ramires, or a more elegant attacking conductor like Hernanes or Oscar, or even a nondescript Luiz Gustavo.
A return to the international scene could see Lucas complete his recovery, and if he can impress his manager in the upcoming international friendlies, he might even find himself in the picture for a place in the Brazil side for the World Cup in 2014.
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