"I am really enjoying playing alongside Charlie," he said. "I try to give him the licence to go forward and make a key pass. When we need to defend he is always back to help me and the more games we play together, the better we will be."
After an indifferent start to his Anfield career, Lucas has grown into one of the English Premier League's top holding midfielders. His understated style of play involves breaking up opponents' attacks and starting Liverpool's moves with simple passing. The 24-year-old Brazilian is now a key player in the team and was named LFC player of the season award last term.
Adam has slotted comfortably beside Lucas and formed a formidable partnership with him. The £7 million ($11.1 million) summer signing adds unpredictability to the LFC attack and grit to the midfield. He also has a keen eye for goal and does not hesitate to take a shot from distance. He's scored two league goals for the Reds.
"Charlie is an offensive player and you could see his quality with the pass he gave for Glen to score," Lucas said. "There are a lot of new players in this team and it does take a bit of time for everyone to get used to each other's style of play.
The pair has featured in 11 of 12 LFC's league games this season. Adam's creativity combined with Lucas' effectiveness has eased burden of Steve Gerrard's long-term absence and forced younger teammates like Jay Spearing and Jordan Henderson to fight for playing time.
It also gives opposing managers something against which they must prepare, allowing teammates greater freedom to thrive in their own roles.
Photo via Flickr/manchesterunitedbowie
