Lucas is such a massive downgrade from Alonso it's ridiculous. He doesn't seem to fit tactically either, as he's way too similar to Mascherano, resulting in none of them helping out in attack leaving them to attack with only four men.
I'm assuming Iaquinta is supposed to fill the void left by Alonso? How long is he out for?
Truth be said, as soon as Real came with the chequebook and Alonso wanted out, he wouldn't have been able to hold onto him.
But I consider getting a replacement that's not going to feature until October (with no time to gel with his teammates, in such an important position as the team's playmaker!) was quite stupid.
Fuck me, he's out for that long? What a spa...erhm... stupid man Benitez is. So, they're pinning their hopes on Lucas or a new player, who is new to the league and will come in without a proper pre season to do one of the most important roles on the field? Brilliant