Former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby believes manager Brendan Rodgers should keep hold of Lucas Leiva.
The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield and was left out of the squad against Stoke City.
The Brazilian has spent eight years on Merseyside and in that time has won over fans after some doubts over his ability earlier in his Liverpool career.
Writing in the Liverpool Echo, Molby said: “I really hope he stays because I still think he will have a part to play this season. It’s important you have a No.6 who is a proper No.6 and very much a team player – someone whose ambition is for the team rather than himself.”
Molby spent 12 years on Merseyside between 1984 and 1996, winning 11 trophies along the way including three league titles.
Lucas is the only natural defensive midfielder the club has, but competition in the centre of midfield is strife with Emre Can, Joe Allen, and perhaps even Jordan Henderson and James Milner all capable of playing the holding role.
“I think there will be games where you need Lucas,” added the former Denmark international. “I don’t see Emre Can playing that holding role. I don’t think he has the mindset or the discipline for it as he will feel he has more to offer further up the pitch.”
Capped 34 times at International level for Brazil, Lucas is catching the eye of many clubs with Italian side Juventus one of them according to the Express.
