Two seasons ago I believed that Lucio was the best centre-back in the world. Jose Mourinho’s Inter had won the Champions League, beating the best teams in England, Germany and Spain (the demi-gods of Barcelona) convincingly. It was a perfect way to round off a treble-winning campaign, and Lucio had formed part of the spine-tingling spine of the Nerazzurri XI.
At the back the Brazilian was impenetrable, outmuscling opponents, dominant in the air and making perfectly-timed tackles. He was even a threat going forward; his tricky dribbles into the opposition’s half provided an extra dimension, with cover provided at the back by Esteban Cambiasso when he did so.
But since then Lucio’s performances have become less and less convincing. Opponents now fear his ability to injure, rather than to defend.
Until recently, excuses could be made on his behalf. Under Rafael Benitez’s unsettling tenure at the start of 2010/11, the team lacked cohesion, and were constantly undermined by the Spaniard’s squad rotation and perceived absence of man-management.
When Leonardo took over, things got arguably even worse in defence at times. The players looked weary, with Leo arguably rotating the side too little, and the contrast between the Beneamata’s impressive attack and the shaky defence would have made even Zdenek Zeman proud. Lucio was out injured for much of his compatriot’s time at the helm, so he can’t really be blamed.
But the excuses started running out under Gian Piero Gasperini’s short spell as manager, when Inter played the only way Gasperini knew how, with a 3-4-3 formation, and shipped goals galore. During the match against Palermo, Lucio would mistime the offside trap, get caught out of position and leave the defence exposed while he dribbled up field. Palermo duly punished him, and Inter threw away a lead – twice – to lose 4-3.
Gasperini’s inevitable dismissal arrived on September 21st and his replacement Claudio Ranieri changed the formation, putting four men at the back. But, though it is still early days, Inter’s defence doesn’t look any sturdier than before, and Lucio had another game to forget in the 3-0 reverse at Napoli.
At times of crisis such as that of the current situation at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the rest of the team should be relying on a former world champion and a winner of countless major trophies to lead by example. Lucio does anything but. His diving and tactical, sometimes brutal fouling has earned him a degree of infamy among football followers. Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg momentarily lost consciousness after Lucio kicked him in the head in September, and video replays of the incident don’t do the central defender any favours. If the kick was accidental, he was reckless; if it was intentional, he was nothing short of evil.
Having said that, despite his post-Mourinho dip, there are times when we are reminded of what makes him one of the most feared players in the world, and for all the right reasons. Against Napoli he made some perfect challenges – well-timed, well-executed and as breathtaking as a goal. His aerial prowess, too, is formidable, as his recent header against Bologna illustrated. Furthermore, his experience of more than a decade of the game at the highest level ensures that he can read his opponents inside out.
But may this be the time for Inter owner Massimo Moratti to cash in on the Brazil captain? At 33 years of age his pace is on the wane, meaning that modern teams like Barcelona can run rings around him. Under Mourinho’s rule, Cambiasso would provide cover for Lucio’s forays forward, but with the Argentine also an offensive threat, it is doubtful whether he would be willing to take on more defensive duties.
At the moment, it is unclear whether or not Inter have an adequate replacement for Lucio in Andrea Ranocchia. He has struggled in his first year in the blue and black stripes but, at 23 years, he still has a lot of potential. Only Ranieri and his coaching staff know whether Ranocchia has enough quality to become an Inter starter, but if he doesn’t, it is surely worth looking elsewhere for a world-class central defender to fill Lucio’s boots.
By next summer Lucio will be 34. Other big clubs would probably still be interested him, as he could still do a sterling job at a slightly lower level, but any later and he may be considered too old. Inter are an ageing side. Moratti needs to act to keep the players who can still perform at the highest level and part ways with the others respectfully. Selling Lucio would be a step in the right direction.
Follow Rory on Twitter: @Rornald0
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At present, Inter Milan’s formation is all wrong and the team is very old. A new manager and new set of players is required.
Post-Mourinho, Lucio [and indeed whole of Inter DEF] suffered from being imposed different style of play by Benitez & Gasperini. They wanted to team to play higher up the pitch when their diminishing pace & aging legs would simply not allow it anymore.
Selling some of the DEF this summer would have been advisable indeed
I have questions on how much he will well and truly fetch in the market. I think he will still providde superb cover as the third choice defender. When does his contract run out?
He signed a new deal this summer taking his contract to 2014!
Clearly driving the price up
“Driving the price up” you day Dov!? I say simple, complete & utter lousy club management from Moratti again