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Football

28th Sep 2015

STATS: Under-the-radar Lucas had the game of his life against Aston Villa

Unsung hero

Darragh Murphy

He’s never going to steal the headlines. You’re never going to see him go anywhere for big money. He’s not even going to play every game.

But Lucas is probably the single-most underrated player in the Liverpool squad.

With creative players like Philippe Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke playing further up the pitch, Brendan Rodgers has given Lucas the job of being the Reds’ reliable engine.

The Brazilian breaks up play, helps out his defenders and can spot a pass with the best of them

Lucas enjoyed a 90 minutes to remember when he had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt during the Reds’ 3-2 victory over Villa at the weekend.

And the stats back it up.

Most completed passes – 26/27 September

Lucas was far and away the most accurate passer this past weekend as he bested Santi Cazorla and teammate Mamadou Sakho by some way.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Lucas of Liverpool celebrates during the penalty shoot out in the Capital One Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Middlesbrough at Anfield on September 23, 2014 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Most completed passes – 2015/16 Premier League game

Lucas’ 100 put him just 18 passes behind the best pass return so far this season which came courtesy of Santi Cazorla.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18:  Santi Cazorla of Arsenal celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Fulham at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2014 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Most touches – 2015/16 Premier League game

Lucas’ stellar game against Villa also put him just 23 touches behind the season’s best, also held by Cazorla.

Arsenal v Cardiff City - Premier League

Most tackles – 2015/16 Premier League game

And in between all the passes and touches, Lucas was still doing his defensive duties and chipped in with 11 tackles against Villa.

Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League

Handy that Brodge didn’t sell him to Besiktas a few weeks ago then, eh?