Since joining Liverpool from Gremio in 2007, Lucas Leiva has had what can only be described as a rollercoaster of a career at Anfield. From two years of abysmal performances and hatred from the fans, to being awarded the club's Player of the Year award in 2011. Not to mention the countless injuries suffered along the way. Now it would appear that midway through his eighth season at the club, despite being drafted back into Brendan Rodgers' plans of late, his days at Anfield may well be numbered. After being frozen out for the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, Lucas has found himself back as a regular in The Reds' starting line up. This has not, however, stopped the constant links with a move away for the midfielder.

Lucas' talent and value to the Liverpool side is there for all to see. Rodgers' side suffered the worst start to a season of any Liverpool side in the Premier League era, however, in games that Lucas has featured (11 in total) The Reds have only lost once. Similarly, Liverpool have conceded 11 goals in Lucas' appearances, compared to 16 in the 10 that he has not featured. Lucas' role as a defensive midfielder, used to stifle opposing playmakers is one that Liverpool really lack in their squad. Emre Can is perhaps the only other player suited to this role, and having just turned 21, could perhaps do with the experience of Lucas around to guide him in that position. Letting Lucas go would require the investment of a new midfielder, and it could prove to be a difficult task finding an appropriate replacement for the same £7million price that the Brazilian is rumoured to be leaving for. Recent links have been made with Aston Villa's England International, Fabian Delph. However, Delph isn't exactly a midfielder of the same mould as Lucas, and could easily cost Liverpool beyond double of what they would be earning from letting go of their number 21. Looking at it from this perspective it seems like keeping a hold of Lucas Leiva is a much better option for Liverpool.

There are however some clear positives in selling Lucas. It has been well documented that the midfielder has been unhappy at the club in the last year or so. Surely then, there is no need for Liverpool to keep a hold of a player who wants out. Also, at 28 years old, with only two years left on his contract as of this summer, Lucas isn't going to be rising in value any time soon. Unless Rodgers sees Lucas as a mainstay in the team until 2017, he would perhaps be best cashing in on him now. However, one thing that you can't put a price on in Lucas' experience. With Steven Gerrard making his emotional farewel this summer, Lucas is set to become Liverpool's longest serving player in the current squad along with Martin Skrtel. In what is an incredibly young group of players, the experience and character of Lucas is vitally important. Brendan Rodgers has always been full of praise for Lucas and his outstanding work ethic and attitude. Last month the Liverpool boss had this to say about the Brazilian midfielder's return to the side: "He has come in and in the games he has played this year he has done very well. He has been excellent. It’s great credit to him and his professionalism – he hasn’t let his head go down, he stays focused and has continued to work very hard so when he is brought into the team, he can do as well as he’s done.” This clearly indicates just how much respect Rodgers has for Lucas and that his effort and attitude is always appreciated.

Essentially, whether or not Liverpool decide to keep Lucas is a decision that Rodgers and the owners will make with the best intentions for all parties. The mindset of the board definitely seems to be for the longterm, and Lucas probably doesn't see an inconsistent role in the Liverpool squad for the next two years as what he wants in what should be the prime of his career. Despite this, Lucas still offers Liverpool so much that they do not have enough of, that letting him go now would only slow down the progress that has been made in the last month. Using Lucas as a short term solution and then reconsidering his importance in summer would be perfectly understandable, but January is probably a little bit too soon.