LFC : Five Main Reasons Liverpool should not sell Lucas Leiva

Lucas Leiva, the ever optimistic defensive midfielder. To think where Brazil could have progressed to in the World Cup if they had opted to pick the 27 year old in their 23 man squad. Not 7-1 down to the Germans, that is for sure. The arrival of Emre Can, who could play at DM, added to that the love Rodgers has for Joe Allen has got us Liverpool fans wondering ; What is next for Lucas Leiva? One of the most underrated player in the Premier League, Lucas has given all for the club ever since Rafa signed him from Gremio in 2007.The amount of hard graft he pulls out in most matches he stars in makes me wonder where Liverpool would have finished in one or two of those injury stricken seasons Lucas previously underwent. Here are my reasons as to why Brendan must think twice before selling the Brazilian.

1. Emre Can is not his replacement, YET.

Apart from the piles of praise heaped on our new signing Emre Can by the likes of ex reds Didi Hamann and Sami Hyppia, amongst others, Can is still only 20, and with no international call ups to show for as of yet, bringing him in as an immediate replacement for Lucas would be a very wrong thing to do. The German Under 21 has already been put under immense pressure with the very iconic number 23 shirt been given to him, which was previously worn by Kop idol Carragher. Emre Can has heaps of potential and a bright future ahead of him, let us make that point clear, and at just 20, if nurtured well by Rodgers, will prove to be a bargain buy at 10 million pounds. 

2. He adds experience.

Lucas Leiva is turning 28 next January, and while it will probably be the window we might get the most money from for him, having a defensive midfielder with that amount of experience is crucial for every title winning side. Manchester City have it with Yaya Toure, and the man alone was one of the main reasons the City side pipped us to the title last season. Captain Fantastic did an amazing job when put there as cover in the latter stages of the previous campaign, and although a returning stint in the position is expected, Rodgers is looking to reduce the skipper's playing time, indicating a possible 30 game mark as to the 50 he endured the past campaign. This will undoubtedly enhance Stevie's performances and keep him in mint condition. While Emre Can grows and learns the ropes at Liverpool, Lucas could be the one to put an arm around the German's shoulder and show him the path forward. He can learn a lot from the man who played for his country on 24 occasions.

3. The Little Money We Would Get For Him Is Not Worth The Loss.

If Lucas was to leave the club this summer, Italy would be the most likely destination for the Brazilian. Napoli and Inter have both shown interest, with ex Red boss Rafa Benitez keen on a reunion with the player he almost seemed to give up on at his time on the Anfield armchair. The price being brandished about is the 5-10 million mark, and with the American owners in no dire need of extra cash right now, chequeing in on Lucas for that petty sum would be a crazy thing to do. Of course, that is the maximum anybody would pay for a 27 year old defensive midfielder nowadays, but personally, I would sell Joe Allen for a similar price over Lucas Leiva in a heartbeat, rather than losing our midfield anchorman.

4. Lucas Leiva is Liverpool's Number One Fan.

Whether he is raring his side on from his Twitter account whilst on the sidelines, or getting his weekly yellow card after a committed tackle or two, every body loves the Brazilian, what ever club you support. His continuous injury problems saddens us Liverpool faithful, and there was not a worse sight than watching on as Lucas limped off on the opening day of the 2012-2013 campaign, away to West Brom. Lucas Leiva has always shown his full support to the cause at Liverpool, even when on the brink of an exit under Rafa a couple of years back. A move away just would not be the same, it won't feel right. There is no doubt the Brazilian has given his all every time he has stepped on that pitch for Liverpool, and that is why he is one of our strongest supporters.

5. THIS !!

Therefore, if I had to pick between keeping Lucas Leiva or Joe Allen, there would be no hint of hesitation from my side. Lucas Leiva. Yet it seems the latter is going to prove to come out the better as Brendan looks almost certain to offload the Brazilian this summer. His Twitter biography reads 'Liverpool player' no more, and after unfollowing the official Liverpool account on it also, a move to Italy seems imminent. My opinion stays the same though ; Brendan should not cash in on the midfielder, for whatever reason, and as I previously stated in my points above, selling Lucas would be a huge mistake, unless replaced like for like.

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YNWA