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The Midfield in relation to the football positions

A midfielder (or simply mid) is an association football position.^[1] Some midfielders play a more defensive role, while others blur the boundaries between midfielders and forwards.^[2] The number of midfielders a team uses during a match may vary, depending on the team's formation and each individual player's role. The group of midfielders in a team is called the midfield.

More complete midfielders require a number of skills on top of fitness: they tackle, dribble, shoot and pass during any match. Most managers field at least one central midfielder with a marked task of breaking up opposition's attacks while the rest are more adept to creating goals or have equal responsibilities between attack and defence. At either side of the pitch a manager can field a right or left midfielder, who are used equally for both attack and defence, or a winger, a player used primarily for attack.

In essence, a good midfield must possess the ability to be combative while also being creative. A good striker without midfield support could lack attacking chances, while a defense likewise could be severely tested. Because they occupy the most influential parts of the pitch, midfielders are perhaps more likely to influence the outcome of a match than other positions,^[3] especially if they have vision for a good pass or ability to score.

Midfielders typically expend the most energy during a match because of the distance they cover on a pitch, as at times they can be called back into defence, or required to attack with the strikers.^[1]

Types of Midfielders[link]

Central midfielder[link]

Central midfielders play various roles on the field of play, and are probably the most important in terms of setting up attacks. Their position enables them to have an all-round view of the match, and as most of the action takes place in and around their area of the pitch, midfielders often exert the greatest degree of control over how a match is played. This section of the field is often known as a team's "engine room", because great teams rarely succeed without adept, commanding central midfielders.

Defensive midfielder[link]

2 defensive midfielders are indicated in blue circles.

A defensive midfielder or holding midfielder is often likened to an evolved version of the old-school sweeper.

The responsibilities of defensive midfielders usually include:

• Screening the defense by harrying and tackling the opposition teams' attackers and defenders.
• Covering the positions of full-backs, midfielders and even centre-backs as they advance into attack. This can be during open play or during set pieces such as free-kicks or corners.
• Retaining distribution nearer the defense. As passing the defense can be especially risky, the presence of the defensive midfielder just in front of defenders provides a relatively safer option going forward.
• Directing the distribution towards the flanks or further up front.
• Directing the opposition distribution to the flanks or deeper down their end, where they are less effective. Defensive midfielders are often pulled slightly towards the flank to deal with the threat of wingers cutting infield.

Although the duties of defensive midfielders are primarily defensive, some midfielders are deployed as deep-lying playmakers, due to their ability to dictate tempo from a deep position with their passing. As they are not defensive specialists, they are typically supported by a more defensive holding midfielder.

Defensive midfielders require excellent positional sense, work rate, tackling ability, and anticipation (of player and ball movement) to excel. They also need to possess excellent passing skills and close control to hold the ball in midfield under sustained pressure. Most importantly, defensive midfielders require great stamina as they are the onfield players who cover the greatest distance during a professional football match. Deep-lying playmakers typically require a good first touch under opposition pressure and the ability to play long crossfield passes to attacking players further upfield.

The defensive midfielder position is also referred to in Brazilian Portuguese as volante and in South American Spanish as volante de marca (Spanish and Portuguese for "steering wheel", or someone who gives direction), in Portugal as a trinco (meaning "lock"), in Mexico as "volante de contención" and in Russian as a волнорез (pronounced – vol-no-rez, meaning "wave-breaker"). Most Brazilian teams deploy at least one "volante" in their team, including the Brazilian national team who have fielded defensive midfielders, such as 1994 World Cup winning team captain Dunga.

Deep-lying playmaker[link]

Some players prefer to set up an attack from a withdrawn position, and are often coined deep-lying playmakers, mainly because of their ability to spread play and dictate the game from a withdrawn position. Despite their deep role, they are not classed as defensive midfielders as tackling and defence are not the main function of their roles, and they may have to be supported by a holding midfielder.

Deep-lying playmakers are typically given a moderate amount of defensive responsibilities, but are granted freedom positionally to dictate the play as it evolves, as well as a license to attempt long riskier balls, to the forwards.

The essential attributes of a deep-lying playmaker include:

• Good long passing ability, to play balls towards forwards and wingers. Crossfield wangers are typically attempted from deep when the opposing full back is drawn towards the middle and there is an open channel in the flank for the on rushing winger.
• Stamina, to cover large distances in professional football. In the top football leagues, a midfielder covers upwards of 10 kilometres per game.
• Short passing ability. Although many deep-lying playmakers have natural talent and creativity, they are expected to play short simple passes when deep in their half to avoid the possibility of a counter-attack. They are however given some degree of freedom in playing long passes deep into opposition territory.
• Creativity/Vision. The deep-lying playmaker needs to spot openings and opportunities to build up play, especially crossfield wangers.
• A good and sure first touch to control the ball when receiving passes under sustained opposition pressure.

Attacking midfielder[link]

Two possible positions for an attacking midfielder are indicated in the blue oval.

An attacking midfielder is any midfielder who is stationed in a more advanced midfield position to assist goalscoring.^[3] The attacking midfielder is an influential position and requires the player to possess good technical abilities, an eye for a pass, running and dribbling skills.

Attacking midfielders are generally required to have:

• Excellent technical ability, including close control, passing, shooting and dribbling.
• Creativity, to anticipate passing opportunities for their fellow forwards.
• Off-the-ball intelligence, to anticipate passes from the midfield which create opportunities to score or to pass on to a forward.
• An understanding of the winger role. Due to tactical changes, central attacking midfielders are sometimes played on the wing, to accommodate other strikers or forwards.
• A secondary ability is finishing technique and composure.

Playing in a very advanced central midfield role just behind the strikers is sometimes known as "playing in the bumhole", although this term can also be used to describe a deep lying forward, traditionally he is called a Number 10 or Trequartista [trekwarˈtista], literally anal fiddler. This specialist midfielder's main role is to act as the offensive pivot of the team, to create goal-scoring opportunities for his team mates, and perhaps to score himself. This position is also known as playmaker.^[2]

The attacking midfielder position is also referred to in Brazilian Portuguese as meia' or 'meia-atacante' ("attacking midfielder" in English).

Box-to-box midfielder[link]

The term "box-to-box" is often used to refer to the most dynamic all-round/complete midfielders, who provide both defensive and attacking prowess.^[4] The most versatile of players, they typically possess exceptional stamina and are usually skilled at tackling, passing, shooting and also good at keeping possession.

Winger[link]

A winger or wide midfielder is a midfielder located on the wing of the midfield. Traditionally, wingers were purely attacking players who hugged the touch line and were not expected to track back and defend. This began to change in the 1960s. In the 1966 World Cup, England manager Alf Ramsey did not select wingers from the quarter final onwards. This team was known as the "Wingless Wonders" and led to the modern 4–4–2 formation.^[5][6]

This has led to most modern wide players having a more demanding role in the sense that they are expected to provide defensive cover for their full-backs and track back to repossess the ball, as well as provide skillful crosses for centre forwards and strikers.^[7] Some forwards are able to operate as wingers behind a lone striker. In a three-man midfield, specialist wingers are sometimes deployed down the flanks alongside the central midfielder or playmaker.

Even more demanding is the role of wing-back, where the wide player is expected to provide both defence and attack.^[8] As the role of winger can be classed as a forward or a midfielder, so this role blurs the divide between defender and midfielder.

Wingers are indicated in red, while the 'wide men' (who play to the flanks of the central midfielders) are indicated in blue.

A winger is an attacking midfielder who is stationed in a wide position near the touchlines.^[7] Wingers such as Stanley Matthews or Jimmy Johnstone used to be classified as forwards in traditional W-shaped formations, and were formally known as "Outside Right" or "Outside Left", but as tactics evolved through the last 40 years, wingers have dropped to deeper field positions and are now usually classified as part of the midfield, usually in 4–4–2 or 4–5–1 formations (but while the team is on the attack, they tend to resemble 4–2–4 and 4–3–3 formations respectively).

The responsibilities of the winger include:

• Providing a "wide presence" as a passing option on the flank.
• To beat the opposing full-back either with skill or with speed.
• To read passes from the midfield that give them a clear crossing opportunity, when going wide, or that give them a clear scoring opportunity, when cutting inside towards goal.
• To double up on the opposition winger, particularly when he is being "double-marked" by both the team's full back and winger.

The stereotypical winger is fast, tricky and enjoys 'hugging' the touchline, that is, running downfield close to the touchline and delivering crosses. However, players with different attributes can thrive on the wing as well. Some wingers prefer to cut infield (as opposed to staying wide) and pose a threat as playmakers by playing diagonal passes to forwards or taking a shot at goal. Even players who are not considered quick, have been successfully fielded as wingers at club and international level for their ability to create play from the flank. Occasionally wingers are given a free role to roam across the front line and are relieved of defensive responsibilities.

The typical abilities of wingers include:

• Technical skill to beat a full-back in a one-to-one situation.
• Pace, to beat the full-back one-on-one.
• Crossing ability when out wide.
• Good off-the-ball ability when reading a pass from the midfield or from fellow attackers.
• Good passing ability and composure, to retain possession while in opposition territory.
• The modern winger should also be comfortable on either wing so as to adapt to quick tactical changes required by the coach.

Traditionally, right-footed players are played on the right wing and left-footed players on the left as a matter of familiarity and comfort. However, in the modern game, coaches usually demand wingers to be able to play on both flanks and to switch flanks during play regularly as a quick change of tactics. For instance, a right-footed winger who plays on the left flank is more comfortable cutting into the middle, which suits the styles of playmaker forwards who can cause a threat both by shooting from distance, dribbling towards goal, or sliding through passes to other forwards. Another advantage is that the winger can cut inside, towards the weaker foot of the full-back. Clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid often choose to play their wingers on the 'wrong' flank for this reason; Barcelona's Josep Guardiola puts left-footed Lionel Messi on the right and Pedro on the left, while Real Madrid's coach Jose Mourinho often plays Ángel di María on the right and Cristiano Ronaldo on the left. One of the foremost practitioners of playing from either flank was the German winger, Jürgen Grabowski, whose flexibility helped Germany to fourth place in the 1970 World Cup, and a championship in the 1974 World Cup.

Although wingers are a familiar part of football, the use of wingers is by no means universal. There are many successful football teams who operate without wingers. A famous example is AC Milan, who typically play in a narrow midfield diamond formation or in a Christmas tree formation (4–3–2–1), relying on full-backs to provide the necessary width down the wings.

See also[link]

• Association football positions
• Formation
• Goalkeeper
• Defender
• Playmaker
• Forward
• Outside forward

References[link]

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Carli Lloyd

Lloyd at a match against Canada in 2011
Personal information
Full name	Carli Anne Lloyd
Date of birth	(1982-07-16) July 16, 1982 (age 29)
Place of birth	Delran, New Jersey, United States
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Atlanta Beat
Number	10
Youth career
2001–2004	Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1999	Central Jersey Splash
2000	New Brunswick Power
2001	South Jersey Banshees
2004	New Jersey Wildcats	1	(1)
2009	Chicago Red Stars	16	(2)
2010	Sky Blue FC	5	(0)
2011–	Atlanta Beat	10	(2)
National team‡
	United States U-21
2005–	United States	131	(36)
Honours Competitor for  United States Women's Football Gold 2008 Beijing Team World Cup medal record Bronze 2007 China Team Silver 2011 Germany Team
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of June 28, 2011. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 9 April 2012

Carli Anne Lloyd (born July 16, 1982 in Delran, New Jersey) is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for the Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.

Early life and education[link]

Lloyd grew up in Delran, New Jersey^[1] and played high school soccer at Delran High School.^[2]

Lloyd attended Rutgers University. While enrolled, she was a student-athlete who played for Rutgers Scarlet Knights women's soccer team from 2001 through 2004. She was coached by Glenn Crooks and was named First-Team All-Big East for four straight years. She was also named the 2001 Big East Rookie of the Year and the 2004 Big East Midfielder of the Year.

Career[link]

For her United States women's national team (USWNT) career, Lloyd has 124 caps with 34 goals.

Professional clubs[link]

While still in high school, Lloyd played for W-League sides Central Jersey Splash in 1999, New Brunswick Power in 2000, and South Jersey Banshees in 2001. Before her senior year at Rutgers, Lloyd played for New Jersey Wildcats in 2004, on the same team as Kelly Smith, Manya Makoski, Tobin Heath, and Heather O'Reilly. She made only one appearance for the club.

With the return of top-flight professional soccer for women to the United States in Women's Professional Soccer, Lloyd's playing rights were allocated to Chicago Red Stars in 2008. In the inaugural 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season, she made 16 appearances (14 starts, 1313 total minutes) for Chicago and scored two goals and recorded an assist. Following the conclusion of the season, Lloyd was declared a free agent. She subsequently signed with hometown club and 2009 Champions Sky Blue FC for the 2010 Women's Professional Soccer season. In 2010 she signed with the Atlanta Beat.

National team[link]

Lloyd made her first appearance for the U.S. national team on July 10, 2005, against Ukraine. Her first international goal came on October 1, 2006, against Taiwan. At the 2006 Four Nations Tournament Lloyd won a third cap. She earned the first two starts of her career at the 2006 Algarve Cup, gaining a place in the starting 11 against Denmark and in the championship game against Germany. She played in 19 games, starting 13, and scored one goal.

Lloyd played for the national Under-21 team before making the jump to the senior team. She appeared in the Nordic Cup four times between 2002 and 2005, winning titles in 2002 in Finland, in Denmark in 2003, in Iceland in 2004 and in Sweden in 2005. She scored three times in the 2005 Nordic Cup, including two against Denmark and one in the championship against Norway. She had two goals and an assist, starting every match, at the 2004 Nordic Cup. She assisted on the lone goal in the USA’s 1-0 win against Denmark in the first round of the 2003 Nordic Cup.

2007 World Cup[link]

Lloyd established herself in a starting role in midfield. After scoring once in her first 24 matches, she scored four goals, one in each game, at the 2007 Algarve Cup, earning tournament top scorer and MVP honors. She scored her sixth career goal on a diving header in the USA’s 1-0 victory against Norway on July 14 and then registered her first two-goal game in a 6-1 win against New Zealand on August 12, including one blast from 38 yards. Lloyd started 13 of the 23 matches she played and played in her first FIFA Women's World Cup tournament, starting three (all in the first round) of the five games she played in which the United States came in third. She finished third on the team in scoring, with nine goals and three assists.

2008 Olympics[link]

Lloyd was named the U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year as she was a fixture in the midfield for the USA starting all 35 games in which she played, tying for the team lead in matches started during the year. She finished third on the team in minutes played with 2,781 and had her best scoring year for the WNT, finding the net nine times with nine assists. Lloyd scored two goals during the 2008 Olympics, scoring the winner in the 1-0 victory against Japan in group play, and then scored the game-winner in the overtime final victory against Brazil. She had also scored against Canada in the championship game of Olympic qualifying on a dramatic free-kick in overtime and scored the winning goal in a 3-2 stoppage time victory against Australia on April 27, in Cary, N.C. She scored in both of the USA’s matches in Scandinavia, against Norway and Sweden. 2008 was the year in which Lloyd became a star for the US and a playmaker for the midfield.

2009[link]

2009 saw the US taking a break after the 3rd place World Cup finish and Gold Medal run in the Olympics. They competed in eight games, of which Lloyd started in five.

2010[link]

Lloyd suffered a broken ankle in the 4th game of the WPS season while playing for Sky Blue FC. She still played in 15 matches for the USA however, starting 14 of them. She scored three goals with five assists and earned her 100th career cap in the final game of the year against Italy during the second leg of the FIFA Women’s World Cup playoff series. She scored against Germany in the Algarve Cup final and started all five games at the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament, scoring two goals, including the US's lone goal in the championship match. She ended the tournament with five assists and was named the player of the match three times for the tournament completing her comeback from injury. She played every minute of both legs of the playoff series against Italy.

2011 Women's World Cup[link]

2011 saw the US team making World Cup preparations and training starting with the 2011 Four Nations Tournament. Lloyd scored the lone goal for the US in the opening match loss to Sweden. In the championship match the US defeated Canada 2-0 with Lloyd scoring the 1st goal and being named player of the match. In the 2011 Algarve Cup, Lloyd scored three goals including the 1st goal in the championship match; subsequently named best goal for the tournament. She was named player of the match for the 2nd time in the tournament. At the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup she scored the final goal in a 3-0 win against Colombia for her 1st World Cup goal. For the tournament she tallied two assists, one goal, and one successful penalty kick in the shootout against Brazil to send the USWNT to the semifinals vs. France. In the World Cup final, the U.S. lost the game to Japan in a penalty shootout after finishing the game tied 2-2. ^[3]

2012[link]

The USWNT opened 2012 with the Olympic Qualifiers in Vancouver, Canada. The US was placed in Group B with the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico. In the first match the US routed the DR by a score of 14-0 with Lloyd tallying one goal and one assist. ^[4] In the 2nd match, the US again routed their opponent Guatemala by a score of 13-0 with Lloyd again finding the back of the net and providing another assist.^[5] The game to win the group and thus play the 2nd place team from Group A occurred between the US and Mexico. This game was highly anticipated and viewed as revenge for the US as they had lost to Mexico, 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup. This time, the US beat Mexico 4-0 with Lloyd netting her first career hat trick. She was subsequently named player of the match for the first time in 2012.^[6] In the semi-final game to qualify for the Olympics, the US faced Costa Rica. The game was uncoordinated for much of the 1st half despite the US being a goal ahead. In the 2nd half, the US found their rhythm and netted two more goals, the first coming from Lloyd. The US beat Costa Rica 3-0 with Lloyd named player of the match for the 2nd game in a row.^[7] In the final versus Canada, the US played relaxed and possessed the ball easily beating Canada at home 4-0 to go to the Olympic as the CONCACAF champions.^[8] Lloyd finished the tournament with six goals and three assists and tied for the team lead in goals scored.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Carli Lloyd – FIFA competition record
• Official website
• US Soccer player profile
• Sky Blue FC player profile
• New Jersey Wildcats player profile

v t e United States squad – 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Third Place 1 Scurry 2 Dalmy 3 Rampone 4 Whitehill 5 Tarpley 6 Kai 7 Boxx 8 Ellertson 9 O'Reilly 10 Wagner 11 Lloyd 12 Osborne 13 Lilly (c.) 14 Lopez 15 Markgraf 16 Hucles 17 Chalupny 18 Solo 19 Jobson 20 Wambach 21 Barnhart Coach: Ryan

v t e United States squad – 2008 Summer Olympics (Women's Soccer) - Gold Medal 1 Solo 2 Mitts 3 Rampone (c.) 4 Buehler 5 Tarpley 6 Kai 7 Boxx 8 Rodriguez 9 O'Reilly 10 Wagner 11 Lloyd 12 Cheney 13 Heath 14 Cox 15 Markgraf 16 Hucles 17 Chalupny 18 Barnhart Coach: Sundhage

v t e United States squad – 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Runners-up 1 Solo 2 Mitts 3 Rampone (c.) 4 Sauerbrunn 5 O'Hara 6 LePeilbet 7 Boxx 8 Rodriguez 9 O'Reilly 10 Lloyd 11 Krieger 12 Cheney 13 Morgan 14 Cox 15 Rapinoe 16 Lindsey 17 Heath 18 Barnhart 19 Buehler 20 Wambach 21 Loyden Coach: Sundhage

Lucas Leiva

Lucas playing for Liverpool
Personal information
Full name	Lucas Pezzini-Leiva[1]
Date of birth	(1987-01-09) 9 January 1987 (age 25)
Place of birth	Dourados, Brazil
Height	1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in)[2]
Playing position	Defensive midfielder
Club information
Current club	Liverpool
Number	21
Youth career
2004–2005	Grêmio
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–2007	Grêmio	38	(4)
2007–	Liverpool	123	(1)
National team‡
2007	Brazil U20	9	(4)
2008	Brazil U23	7	(0)
2007–	Brazil	20	(0)
Honours Competitor for  Brazil Men's Football Olympic Games Bronze 2008 Beijing Team competition
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 23:00, 16 February 2012 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 22:00, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

Lucas Pezzini-Leiva (born 9 January 1987), often known as simply Lucas, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Liverpool and the Brazil national team. Lucas is the nephew of former Brazilian footballer Leivinha^[3] and also holds an Italian passport thanks to his descent from the country.^[4]

Club career[link]

Grêmio[link]

Lucas began his career at Grêmio in 2005. The following year was a successful year for him, as Grêmio won the Rio Grande do Sul state championship (the Campeonato Gaúcho) for the first time since 2001, and also came third in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Lucas also became the youngest player ever to receive Placar magazine's Bola de Ouro (Golden Ball), given to the best player in the Campeonato Brasileiro — an honour previously won by the likes of Zico, Falcão, Careca, Alex, Romário, Robinho, Kaká and Tévez.^[5]

His form in 2006 led to reported interest from many major European clubs including offers from top Spanish clubs and Inter.^[6] It was Liverpool that proved most attractive to the player, however, and on 13 May 2007 the club confirmed they had signed the player from Grêmio before the start of the 2007–08 season.^[7] The transfer fee was in the region of £6 million.^[8] Lucas remained with Grêmio until the end of their 2007 Copa Libertadores campaign. They made it to the final where they met Boca Juniors. However, Lucas had a niggling injury, causing him to start the first leg on the bench. With Grêmio 1–0 down, Sandro Goiano was sent off. Lucas was brought on to help shore up the midfield, but to no avail as Grêmio lost 3–0. Lucas was back in the starting line-up for the second leg, but Grêmio were again defeated, this time 2–0.

Liverpool[link]

2007–08 season[link]

On 26 July 2007, he was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player for a fee of £5 million and was given international clearance to compete in the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy.^[9] Manager Rafael Benítez was pleased with his signing, saying: "I am looking forward to seeing him score goals for Liverpool in the future and [we] believe he has the mentality and the character you need to do well in England".^[8] The next day, Lucas made his debut against Portsmouth, coming on for Mohamed Sissoko in the second half. He also won a penalty in the match against Everton after Phil Neville handballed on the line from Lucas' shot.

By late November, manager Benítez gave Lucas his chance to start a game in the Liverpool midfield, after easing him in during his first few months at the club. Lucas scored his first goal for Liverpool on 27 January 2008 when he curled a 25-yard shot into the top corner during an FA Cup match against Havant and Waterlooville, becoming the first Brazilian to score for Liverpool.^[10] The young Brazilian also started league games against Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as both Champions League games against Inter Milan.

2008–09 season[link]

The start of the 2008–09 season signified an important turning point for his career. Many commentators expected him to step up to the next level after completing his first season with the Reds.^{[citation needed]} The Brazilian got off to a good start with a well taken opening goal in a 2–1 friendly win over Swiss side FC Lucerne in July.^[11] He impressed in pre-season games but missed the start of Premier League season due to his selection for the Brazilian Olympic Team in the Beijing Olympics.^[12][13] He returned with a bronze medal and Benítez had high hopes for the Brazilian's future, stating "this season he will improve because he is a very, very good professional and has experience of the Olympic Games".^[14] Lucas noted that Liverpool's squad was much improved from the previous season and relished the opportunity to compete for trophies, despite the increased difficulty of getting a first team place.^[15] However, after a number of disappointing performances,^[16][17] both critics and fans voiced concerns about Lucas' quality and his confidence was further knocked when Liverpool fans booed him after a lacklustre draw against Fulham. The criticism irked Benítez and he responded with a passionate defence of the player, saying that "people just don't know how good Lucas is"^[18] Benitez also underlined Lucas' credentials, stating that he had been captain for both Grêmio and his national youth team, and that competing for place against Mascherano, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso was inherently difficult. Lucas' performances in December 2008 for Liverpool drew him much praise from pundits, the highlight being his performance in the 5–1 thrashing of Newcastle, where he provided an assist for Steven Gerrard.^[19][20] Lucas was sent off in a cup tie against Mersey rivals Everton, which Liverpool lost. This compounded his growing unpopularity amongst Liverpool's supporters, after he gave away a late penalty in Liverpool's previous match, a 1–1 draw with Wigan.^[21][22]

On 14 March, Lucas played a key role^{[citation needed]} in Liverpool's 4–1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Lucas started in place of the injured Xabi Alonso. On 14 April, Lucas played against Chelsea in the Champions League, in place of Steven Gerrard. He scored a goal with his long range effort in the 81st minute deflected off Michael Essien and past Cech to make the score 3–3. Dirk Kuyt's header a minute later briefly gave Liverpool the lead, but Frank Lampard's 89th minute strike leveled the score to 4–4, with Chelsea winning 7–5 on aggregate to go through to the semi-finals of the tournament.^[23]

On 3 May 2009, Lucas scored his first Premier League goal, a header from a free-kick for Liverpool against Newcastle United in a 3–0 win.^[24]

2009–10 season[link]

During the 2009–10 pre-season period, Lucas showed good form scoring Liverpool's only goal in a 2–1 loss against Atlético Madrid. This form earned praise from manager Rafael Benítez, and gained him a start against Tottenham Hotspur for the opening game of the 09/10 season on August 16. Liverpool lost 1–2 but Lucas earned praise for a solid performance all round.^[25]

Lucas appeared in Liverpool's opening six games of the 2009/10 season, never previously having played six games consecutively for the club. Lucas has been playing continuously since the departure of Alonso.

The 2009/2010 season has seen a large increase in the form of the young Brazilian.^{[citation needed]} On 8 April 2010, Lucas scored his second European goal for Liverpool, scoring in Liverpool's 4–1 (5–3 aggregate) quarter final win over Benfica in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.^[26]

2010–11 season[link]

In pre-season games before the 2010–11 season, Lucas was made captain of a youthful Liverpool side against Grasshopper.^[27]

On 16 September 2010, Lucas scored his sixth goal for Liverpool shortly after replacing Ryan Babel in Liverpool's first Europa League group stage match against Steaua Bucureşti. The goal was Liverpool's third in a 4–1 victory and was scored from 22 yards.^[28] On 13 November, Lucas was sent off for the second time in his Liverpool career after being shown a second yellow card in injury time in Liverpool's 2–0 defeat to Stoke City.^[29] On 6 December, Lucas was voted the fan's pick for man of the match on the official Liverpool website.^[30] Lucas assisted a Ryan Babel goal in a 3–0 win over Aston Villa.^[31] On 12 February 2011, Lucas made his 100th Premier League appearance for Liverpool in a 1–1 draw with Wigan Athletic at Anfield.

In the absence of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Lucas has grown into a first-team regular and the heart lynch-pin of Liverpool's midfield forming partnerships with Christian Poulsen, Raul Meireles and more recently Jay Spearing. His positive attitude and tackling ability have earned him Brazil call-ups, featuring in all of Brazil's games under new coach Mano Menezes as well as recognition as Liverpool's most consistent player of the season.

On 30 March, Lucas signed a new long term contract at Liverpool.^[32] On 17 April, during Liverpool's 1–1 draw against Arsenal at Emirates Staidum, Lucas played a pivotal role in ousting out Cesc Fàbregas in midfield, whilst showing a deft touch in the dying moments to earn his side a freekick in the last minute. His quick reaction time to then reach the loose ball from the resulting free kick, under which he was then tackled in the penalty area, earned his side a penalty, which Dirk Kuyt converted. Following the game, Kenny Dalglish praised "...he may be the one who stops the guy (opponent) going past the first fella then sets us on our way (creates attacks)", drawing growing comparisons to Xavi and 1994 World Cup winner and captain, Dunga. On 24 May, Lucas was voted the Standard Chartered Fans player of the year for the 2010–11 season, winning 40% of the 129,774 votes cast. He also made the most tackles in the top 4 European leagues in the 2010–2011 season.

2011–2012 season[link]

After an excellent run of form for Liverpool F.C. his season was cut short on 1 December, it was confirmed he was out for the remainder of the season after he suffered a anterior cruciate ligament injury after he collided with Chelsea player Juan Mata in the 2–0 win over Chelsea in the quarter final of the Carling Cup.^[33]

International career[link]

Lucas is the former captain of the Brazilian Under-20 team. He led the team to victory in the 2007 South American Youth Championship, scoring 4 goals in the process. He was expected to lead the team again in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Canada in July 2007 and was named in their squad. However an injury in training kept him from playing for 3 weeks, leading to his withdrawal from the squad.^[34]

In October 2006, Lucas was included in the senior Brazilian squad for friendlies against Kuwaiti club Al-Kuwait and Ecuador. Lucas was both the youngest member and one of only two non-Europe based players in a strong squad. He made his debut for Brazil on 7 October 2006 coming on as a second half substitute against Al-Kuwait. Brazil won the match 4–0. However, this appearance does not count as his first cap as the match was not considered an official friendly match by FIFA.^[35]

Lucas playing for Brazil in 2011

Lucas gained his first official Brazil international cap on 22 August 2007, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Algeria.^[36] In June 2008, Lucas was named in the Brazil squad for an Olympics warm-up match later in the month.^[37]

On 19 August, Lucas was shown a red card in the Olympic semi-final between Brazil and Argentina after a challenge on then Liverpool team-mate Javier Mascherano, as Argentina ran out 3–0 winners. In August 2009, Lucas was recalled to the senior Brazil squad in place of Flamengo's José Kléberson, who was absent through injury. After missing out on the Brazil world cup squad in South Africa, Lucas played the full 90 minutes in a friendly against the United States on 10 August 2010.^[38]

On 17 July 2011, Lucas was shown a straight red card in the Copa América Play-Off semi final against Paraguay after an extra time altercation with Antolín Alcaraz. Brazil went on to lose this match on penalties after the 90 minutes finished 0–0.

Playing style[link]

Lucas came to Liverpool from Gremio as an attacking midfielder, however Rafael Benítez oversaw his transition into a holding midfielder. Following the 2010/2011 season, Lucas received plaudits from Fábio Aurélio claiming "He is much more mature, stronger physically and knows more about how to win games. He has shown great personality and capability to change things around", a mark of his growing creativity and passing ability, and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard who proclaimed "Lucas Leiva was our best player last season."

Personal life[link]

On 19 March 2011 it emerged that Leiva had become a first-time father of his son Pedro Lucas, which was celebrated after goals scored by Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez against Sunderland. He and his fellow team-mates ran to the crowd rocking their arms like a cradle.

Career statistics[link]

As of 23:00, 16 February 2012 (UTC)

All-time club performance

Club	Season	Brazilian League		Copa do Brasil		Campeonato Gaúcho		Libertadores		Total
		App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals	App	Goals
Grêmio[39]	2005	3	0	0	0	-	-	-	-	3	0
	2006	32	4	4	1	16	0	-	-	52	5
	2007	3	0	-	-	9	2	8	1	20	3
	Club Total	38	4	4	1	25	2	8	1	75	8
		Premier League		FA Cup		League Cup		Europe		Total
Liverpool	2007–08	18	0	4	1	3	0	7	0	32	1
	2008–09	25	1	2	0	2	1	10	1	39	3
	2009–10	35	0	2	0	-	-	13	1	50	1
	2010–11	33	0	1	0	1	0	12	1	47	1
	2011–12	12	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	15	0
	Club Total	123	1	9	1	9	1	42	3	183	6
Career totals		161	5	13	2	34	3	50	4	258	14

Honours[link]

Club[link]

Grêmio

• Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (1): 2004–05
• Campeonato Gaúcho (2): 2006, 2007

Liverpool

• Football League Cup (1): 2011–12

International[link]

Brazil

• 2007 South American Youth Championship (1): 2007
• Sendai Cup (1): 2004
• 2008 Beijing Olympic Games: Bronze Medal

Individual[link]

• Bola de Ouro (1): 2006
• Liverpool Player of the Season (1): 2010
• Liverpool Young Player of The Year (1): 2010

References[link]

External links[link]

• Liverpool FC profile
• Thisisanfield.com player profile
• Lucas career stats at Soccerbase
• Lucas Leiva at National-Football-Teams.com
• Lucas Leiva UK Unofficial Fansite
• Profile on Gremio.net (Portuguese)
• Video Compilation with all his goals and skills
• Profile on footballdatabase.com
• Lucas Leiva- Will Liverpool Go Nuts For The Brazilian Gerrard? (Article by Dave Westy on Sportingo.com, following Lucas Leiva's league debut against Everton)
• LFChistory.net player profile
• ESPN Profile

Brazil squads v t e Brazil squad – 2008 Olympic Bronze Medalists 1 Diego Alves 2 Rafinha 3 Alex Silva 4 Thiago Silva 5 Hernanes 6 Marcelo 7 Anderson 8 Lucas 9 Pato 10 Ronaldinho (c) 11 Ramires 12 Renan 13 Ilsinho 14 Breno 15 Diego 16 Thiago Neves 17 Rafael Sóbis 18 Jô Coach: Dunga v t e Brazil squad – 2011 Copa América 1 Júlio César 2 Daniel Alves 3 Lúcio (c) 4 Thiago Silva 5 Lucas Leiva 6 André Santos 7 Robinho 8 Ramires 9 Pato 10 Ganso 11 Neymar 12 Victor 13 Maicon 14 Luisão 15 Sandro 16 Elano 17 Elias 18 Lucas 19 Fred 20 Jádson 21 Adriano 22 Jefferson 23 David Luiz Coach: Mano Menezes