Is it time for "Kop favourite" Lucas to move on?

Carlos Clemente

Reports back in January suggested the Brazilan was told to look for a new club. Consequently, Italian giants Inter Milan showed realistic interest in bringing him to the San Siro. However, suddenly, in January, Lucas broke back into Rodgers' midfield and any apparent move grinded to a halt.

Has Lucas Leiva ever been a fan favourite? or have his abilities constantly been criticised among the Anfield faithful since he joined the club? Personally speaking, I reckon he's had one or maybe two excellent seasons as a Red since signing from Gremio in 2007. The 20-year-old, long haired brazilian had a lot to live up to when he arrived on Merseyside, especially, on the back of winning the young player of the season award in the Brazilian leauge.

Expectation was probably the main reason for him underperforming initially. Nevertheless, he stuck with it and for a young lad he took the criticism on his chest, worked hard in training and finally broke into Rafa's midfield. His shifts were forever hardworking, nearly always wearing his heart on his sleeve.

However, the problem with Lucas is that he is not a technically gifted footballer. His passing is somewhat wayward and his shooting isn't the best (apart from his finish against Steaua). Furthermore, how many times have we seen Lucas give away needless free kicks in dangerous positions late on in games?

Therefore, is it time for him to move on, in search of regular first team fooball? At the age of 28 he is now considered to be among Brendan's second string of players. Liverpool are possibly in the market for a new midfielder and also with Emre Can being keen to push for a preferable central midfield role, Lucas will find it even harder to nail down a place in Liverpool's first XI.

Rodgers didn't put his faith in Lucas at the start of the 2014/2015 campaign and he started to slide down the pecking order until he was surprisingly given the nod over Steven Gerrard at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid in November. Despite putting in a solid performance it wasn't enough for him to keep his place in the starting XI for the crucial Premier Leauge fixture against Chelsea the following Saturday. 

Lucas then got back into the side and was outstanding in our unbeaten run from January to March, before unfortunately picking up an injury which consequently put him out for practically the remainder of the season.

I completely agree what Liverpool expert Jay Riley told Anfield HQ in an interview a few months back regarding Lucas Leiva "deserving a move". Even though he could still be needed by Liverpool in some capacity. Granting him the opportunity to play every week, allowing him to further his career, would be more than deserving to a fine servant of the Football Club.

His behavior and conduct as a Liverpool player has been top notch since he arrived. Especially, when he wasn't getting the rub of the green. Nobody would ever hear him complaining or speaking out of term regarding his situation. 

Moreover, his maturity will make sure he leaves Liverpool on good terms. Unlike, wantaway Raheem Sterling whose recent behavior and attitude towards the club has been disappointing and disrespectful. Lucas is a gentlemen. The times I've been down to Melwood or in an away end, Lucas has always taken time to wave or say hello. These small gestures mean a lot to fans and Lucas has always been very appreciative of our support over the years.

Lucas Leiva is the last of his generation of players yet to move on. Socially, Lucas was very much connected to the "South American Quartet" which consisted of himself, Luis Suárez, Sebastían Coates and Maxi Rodriguez. He also had strong friendships with Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina who are also no longer at the club.

To sum up, in my view, there are two ways of looking at Lucas's current situation. On the one hand, from the point of view of Liverpool Football Club and on the other hand taking into consideration the players future. He has proved us wrong before so he could do it again, but with the arrival of new signings and other current players favoured in his position, I strongly believe a move abroad would probably be the most favored option for both parties.

@clemente_carl for @anfieldeurope